Marching to our own rythmn 

Banna Chluain Meala majorettes were formed in the early 80’s. While the band was now well established, the band directors saw an opportunity to add a majorette group as two of the band members, the Hewitt twins, were also dancers. Gillian and Majella took charge and set about recruiting and training a team. This was most successful and they proved to be a marvellous addition to the band with their pom-poms and flags adding colour and entertainment. The first set of pom-poms were home made with plastic bags kindly donated by Fitzgerald Menswear which were then shredded at the local Scheisser factory. Some years later, a majorette group visiting from the United States for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations presented us with real American style pom-poms in our Tipperary colours of blue and gold.

The Hewitt twins set up their own dance studio, “On Your Toes” here in Clonmel and are now firmly established.  Majella has stayed with us through the years and has been principal instructor to the present day. She’s been ably assisted by many assistant instructors through the years (too many to mention here). 

The majorettes, now called “Colour Guard” have added visual impact to the band’s performances whether on parade or on the field. The field shows, in particular, required appropriate costumes and movement to match the themes of the chosen routines such as, “Phantom of the Opera “; “Les Miserable “; “Wicked”; “Fiddler on the Roof" etc. 

The Colour Guard were a huge hit at home and abroad. We have great memories of the fantastic receptions we received in the United States, Italy, the Chezch Republic and many more, not forgetting the many home venues we visited over our fifty years.

Banna Chluain Meala Colour Guard hope to add colour and movement to the band’s performances for many years to come.