The junior band hit the dizzy heights after marching their way through other championships too such as the 2011 Fleadh Ceoil championships, the Ulster Bands league, the Northern Ireland championship and other smaller trophies. Altogether, this band holds five major trophies, no mean feat. No other band will be able to achieve this again in Ireland as the competition format has since changed.
The band won this prestigious title also back in 1998 and the older players are talking now of forming a senior St Miguel marching band. Liam Rafferty, who pulled the band together in the 80’s, had been a mentor to the young players over the years. He said, “I am absolutely delighted that our band has brought home the silver to their home town, Downpatrick. We will soon be celebrating our 25th anniversary and this is just the icing on the cake for all those years.
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“They have worked very hard at the practice sessions and are dedicated performing at a high standard. My son Francis now assists with the band and he looks after the choreography, marching and discipline. The group meets every Tuesday evening from 6.30-8.30pm in the Ballymote Centre for beginners and the more experienced ones meet on Wednesdays from 7-9pm.
“Our drum instructors are Pat O’Reilly and Paul Rafferty, my other son, and we have other other tutors who help out too. Angela McCrissican and Laura Clarke help out with the majorette and we have a really good supportive committee. Together they have all helped to achieve winning all of the major trophies in Ireland against all the competition.
“The sponsorship for the local band has been tremendous. In these tough times businesses have been very generous. This is really a fantastic group. When you are in trouble everyone is behind you. We were lucky enough to have a new uniform recently. It was designed by Francis, annd the hats and plumes came from the USA. The uniforms were made by Chloe Fashions and the special band shoes were from Whelan’s in Cootehill.”
Liam also explained that the band provided musical entertainment to residential homes, and they always take part in the St Patrick Parade in March every year in Downpatrick. We are lucky too to have the support of our senior band members.”
Over the years the band scene has shrunk a little with well-known bans from Ballycran, Teconnaught and Killough all disappearing, but other local bands such as the ones in Kilcoo are still marching on.
Liam added, “This is a unique band of youngsters that have stuck with me over the years. They have the staying power. I’m just delighted for them all.”]]>
