*Photo by Eamon Ward
This year, Ennis Brass Band celebrates its 50th anniversary. The highly popular band had planned to mark the occasion physically however with current restrictions in place, they have moved to acknowledge everybody who has helped and supported them along the way.
The following is a statement from Ennis Brass Band.
So far 2021 has been tough on so many, a lot of us were expecting life may be back to normal by now. However 2021 brings a celebration for some in that Ennis Brass Band are celebrating their 50th anniversary.
Having reformed in 1971 the band has gone from strength to strength and reaching this milestone is quite the achievement. The celebrations will have to be much different to what the band had expected, however this momentous anniversary could not go by without the band making some acknowledgements.
Firstly to the people of Ennis and Clare, the support the band has received over the years has been amazing. To the smiling faces on the street as the band marches in the St Patricks Day parade to the wonderful applause and warm reception received at our now annual Christmas concert. This is a particular favourite of the band members. To the generous donations received on both our flag days and church gate collections. Without this support the band could not continue so from us, the most heartfelt thank you.
The band has had many performances over the years, too many to mention. We are very proud to have achieved many accolades over those years, competing in many competitions nationally and internationally. We would like to think our conductors/musical directors past and present for nurturing our love of music and bringing it to the forefront. A heartfelt thank you to former members also. To the families of our band members, your support to each and every band member is so important and we are very grateful for this.
To Clare VEC and Ennis Community College for the support provided to the band in the continued supply of rehearsal space.
Also to Clare County Council, St Francis Credit Union and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for their continued support.
Finally the bank would like to thank Bernard McAllister, band leader and President. There are no words to accurately describe the work that Bernard has put into the band over the past 50 years. His hard work and dedication is an inspiration to us all and he continues to inspire us daily. Bernard, the band would not be what it is without you so from all of us we love you and thank you. A special mention to Bernard’s wife Mary McAllister who has been our number 1 supporter from the start.
The band hope to later in the year be able to celebrate this wonderful occasion with some performances so watch this space!! In the meantime we keep engaged on our social media page on Facebook and look forward to the day when we can perform for the people of Ennis once more.
