Updated 31/12/2014
Well that was a very hectic Christmas season for us all here at Ardee Concert Band HQ. We’ve just about digested the chrimbo dinner and we are getting into the swing of things again and preparing for another busy year ahead … sure we wouldn’t have it any other way.
December kick-started the yule tide season with our senior band taking part in the Mistletoe and memories Fundraiser in Ballymagarvey Village, Balrath for the Kentstown church renovation fund and Lisa’s Christmas wish in aid of A chance for Alice and the Rainbow Club. We played for the arriving guests and after the show as the guests left by candlelight. The Main concert featured The McDonagh Sisters and Guest Tenor Wesley McDonagh singing many a tune to sing along to, all the Christmas favourites’ with Santa making an arrival also to talk to the lovely audience. The following link shows the highlights of the magical night at an exquisite venue of the North East: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnTJY36L5es
Our 33rd Christmas Concert was next on the calendar and this evening like all other went without a hitch to a full house here in the Bohemian on Friday December 12th. The concert performances came from our Recorder Group conducted by Sarah Clare and Darren Kirk, The Junior Band under the baton of Kevin Reilly, Youth Band and their Conductor John Gaynor and Senior Band under the Directorship of Brendan Breslin. It was a night not to be missed, Our Raffle was a huge success on the night with amazing prizes from various sponsors around the locality. Many thanks to all who donated prizes for the raffle.
We send our heartfelt Congratulations to the one and only Darren Kirk on winning the Sean Matthews perpetual Trophy on the night for musical improvement and commitment to helping in and around the band at the drop of hat! Darren will most likely be found up a ladder if you want to congratulate him! J Well done again Darren, very well Deserved!
It amazes us every year with the support the band receives from the people of Ardee and Surrounding Areas and from all our band friends from all over the country. Without your support to us at the concert and throughout the year: we would not have the great community band as we have here in Ardee. Every year it just keeps getting bigger and better. We’re keeping the spirits up going into 2015 to make it even more special! J
We had a wonderful evening on Sunday 21st at the Carol Service in Ardee Church, well done to all who performed: Parish School Choirs, Ardee Liturgical Choir, Ballaphousta Choir, Childrens Choir, The Folk Group, and Ruth Kelly Brady! Christmas was well and truly underway now! The band weren’t finished yet though … NO … We were out on Christmas Eve morning and afternoon playing Carols around the town to spread the Christmas cheer for all the shoppers in and out of the shops getting the last few bits together before Santa arrived on Christmas Eve night.
The band played to finish off the year at Christmas Day 12.30pm mass in Ardee. The band continued the tradition of the last 40 years celebrating the occasion and many thanks go to Kevin Reilly for conducting the band on this very special occasion of the year!
A musician’s life is never dull or Quiet!