At
the turn of the century Ballon had a very active and successful Fife and
Drum band but like many such bands this eventually disbanded.
So in 1985 a group from the village decided it was time to start another
band. A pipe band was decided on as there as there was only one active
band of this type in the County. This was entered into with real professionalism
and tutors were employed from Portarlington so that the new band members
would get the best of training.
Due to the high cost of kitting out much effort went into fund raising which culminated in a 'Band Aid Day' at Pat Lalor's farm and was officially opened by Fr. Michael Cleary.
The initial enrolment was for ten prospective drummers and twentyfour pipers. They were in geat demand for many functions including Field Days, Ploughing Matches and St. Patrick's Day Parades. On one such day they led the Parades for three different villages.
Sadly, they eventually, too, broke up and it was a cultural loss to the village and the county.
For interest's sake
the committee was:
Pat Lalor (Chairman), Bernie Halvey (Secretary), Sean Gallaher (Assistant
Secretary), Fr. James Kelly CC (Treasurer), Peadar Swaine, Arthur Mullins,
Pat Curran, Mary Jordon.
Subsequent to writing this the Blanche's provided a photo of the original Fife and Drum band taken around 1924. And could even name them all - someone's fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers.
| Jack
Farrell Connaberry |
Tom Byrne Connaberry |
Mick Kealey Castlegrace |
Mick Fitzpatrick Closh |
Ned Dowling Ballon |
Andy
Fitzpatrick Closh |
| Jim McKane Ballon Hill |
Willie Byrne Killane |
John Cranny Boggan |
Simon Maher Ballon |
Mr. Little Trainer |
| Johnnie Nolan Laragh |
Jim Murphy Ballon |
Bennie George Drisogue |
Tommy Brennan Ballon |
Patrick Gahan Connaberry |
| Jack McCormack Cappagh |
Mick Gittens Ballylean |
Joe Walsh Laragh |
Paddy Murphy Ballon Cross |
Tom Kealey Corporal Closh |
John
Brennan
Ballon
Johnny Neill
Ballymogue
Here's an email from John O'Neill in New Zealand - any comments anyone?
Michael
Many thanks for the photo and identifications. I knew most of them as
mature or old men in the '30s and '40s.
Two comments which may be of interest - one of the fifes still makes
sweet music in the hands of my daughter, Ann. It now has a recorder
mouthpiece instead of the original fife. also, dare I question the identity
of second from left, back row?
If it is indeed Tom Byrne of Connaberry then my uncle, Johnny Neill
of Ballymogue and later of Closh had an identical clone.
Thanks again
John O'Neill
1/3/02