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Centenary Will Recapture Golden Years Of Band Music (Part 2)


“Newry people loved to parade up and down the main street at night. It was an old Irish custom, dating from the introduction of footpaths. They had gathered to admire the movements of the conductor, who could be seen silhouetted on the large window-blind facing the street,” added the esteemed `Point musician.

A contemporary press report stated: “The success of St Joseph’s Band has created a feeling of intense pride and satisfaction among all sections of the people of Newry.

At their disposal its services have been placed, regardless of creed or politics. “The band’s success at Manchester, against the most formidable opposition that Albion could produce, has firmly established the popularity of St Joseph’s in the affections of the Newry public.”

But the `Indo` band was highly aggrieved when beaten by another Newry band to the All-Ireland Championship title in 1932. It was alleged that the victorious combination had recruited professional B.B.C. musicians. Also that the winning band could not perform an encore, because the recruited B.B.C. members had left.

Another local combination scored a great victory when St Patrick’s Fife and Drum Band won the All-Ireland Junior Championship Cup and Gold Medal. Council chairman H. J. McConville presented the trophies, while music was rendered by St .Joseph’s Brass and Reed Band, conducted by Councillor Terry Ruddy. Those who assisted were Misses McCrink, Ruddy, McGuinness, Lambe, McGuigan, Ellis, Hillen, O’Hanlon, Murphy, Whitefield and Corr, along with Mrs. Flanagan, Fox, Mackin, O’Hare, Goulding, Cannon, and Kirwan.

The big bands reached the peak of popularity between the wars but, following the death of Terry Ruddy, St Joseph’s ceased to exist. Then in 1945, it was revived by Pat Campbell, who was employed at Quinn’s the Milestone (now Dunnes Stores on Hill Street). He had been a member of the band which won the British and Irish titles in the 20’s.

With the aid of fine musicians, including Tommy Mulligan, Eddie Ruddy, Hugh Gorman and the Morgan brothers, they continued to represent the best qualities and traditions of St Joseph’s until the mid-50’s, when it was finally dissolved.

Tommy Mulligan had left for the U.S.A. after the War of Independence, but got home-sick and returned to Newry. However he was disillusioned by the pro-British spirit in the frontier town, with lots of Union Jacks and support for the British Army in the First World War.

The versatile musician refused to turn out for St Joseph’s Band on recruiting parades, - local women often spitting in his face. Instead he played euphenium for St Colman’s Band, as well as the flute with the Sinn Fein Band.

Tommy later trained and conducted such bands as Altnaveigh Pipe; Crieve, Mayobridge and Poyntzpass Flute, Warrenpoint Brass and Reed, as well as Newry Amateur Silver and other local bands. When Altanaveigh Pipe Band would pass his home at Carnegat, en route from the local Orange Hall to a 12th of July Demonstration, they would pause outside and play so that the Old I.R.A. veteran could check on their performance!

Tommy Mulligan was responsible for founding the first Newry Mitchels G.F.C.; stopping the British National Anthem being played at the Frontier Cinema, also taking action which enabled the general public to participate in Annual Pilgrimages to Ballyholland Mass-Rock.

But that versatile musician’s proudest achievement was St. Colman’s Boys Band, of which he was instructor. During a Band Contest at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. Competing in the Senior Section they won third prize in two sections against eight other bands.

The band was based at St Joseph’s Boys’ High School, and by coincidence the youthful combination included the present school principal, Hugh Mallon. That achievement was gained just a few weeks after the band’s formation.

Also fine musicians were Jack McCartan, a champion piccolo player, and Jackie McGivern, superb on the solo cornet; also Gerry Campbell. Paddy Burke’s sons have played a leading role on the local musical scene, while Eddie Ruddy played with the Crubeen Folk Group, as well as the Ray Morgan Showband.

The golden days of band music in the Newry area have been recalled by trombonist, the late Joe Donnelly, a painter who died a few years ago. He resided with his wife, Mary, a short distance from the Independent Club in Kilmorey Street. A brother, Pat, was a bass-player in St Joseph’s Band.

Describing the rivalry between the various bands in the Newry region, during those halcyon days between the two world wars, Joe spoke of the “tremendously high standard, desire for perfection, total dedication and pride, both of performance and appearance.”

And there was fierce competition in the national and international competitions, especially since they involved famous English and Welsh colliery and military bands. This placed the Newry band’s achievement on an exalted level.

The roll of honour consisted of Terry Ruddy (conductor), J. P. and G. Campbell, C. Devine, P.Loy, S.Wright, B.Mooney, F. McCourt, J. and D. McGivern, J. McCartney, P. and J.Donnelly, P. Gilliam, T. Mulligan, J. O’Hanlon, T. Hanley, J. McGauley, J. Lyons, P.Mallon, J. Hempinstall, T. Quinn, W. and J. Brown, V Matthews. P. McAlinden, D. and F. Foley, J. Ruddy, W. McCormack, Dan Toman, C. Crothers, H. Holt, P. and J. Burke, G. Fegan and P. Kennedy.

In that era of glory before the advent of radio or television, marching bands were a tremendous attraction, leading A.O.H., I.N.F. and Easter Parades, religious processions and victory rallies in sport and politics, etc.

People would flock on to the streets and accompany the musicians for miles. Even into the 50’s the people of Kilmorey Street, - and even as far as O’Neill Avenue, - would keep their doors open on Sunday mornings, in order to hear that famous band practise at the old Hand-ball Alley. Those were the days, my friend!

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© Fabian Boyle 2001-2008