Marching to our own rythmn 

Throughout the years, the band has had many instructors and volunteers. The vast majority of whom have risen through the ranks of the band, and willingly gave of their time and talents in appreciation of the expert tuition they themselves had received. Unfortunately, it would be impossible to name these people individually but to each and every one, we say a sincere “Thank You!”. Thank you for your time, your effort and your dedication. Without you Banna Chluain Meala would not be the fine organization it is today.

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OUR TEAM

 

Danny Carroll

Danny Carroll is a name inextricably linked with the musical life of the town of Clonmel and County Tipperary for half a century. In 1971 Danny enlisted the help of musicians and community leaders to form Banna Chluain Meala, a youth marching and concert band. It started with little funding, no permanent base and few instruments but with a commitment to free musical tuition for all. 50 years later, Danny's interest in music is still as keen.

His experience in bands and ensembles over years saw him elected to the board of the WASBE – the World Association of Symphonic and Brass Ensembles - on which he served for over 20 years. He has also been Musical Director for musical societies in Clonmel, Carrick on Suir, Tipperary Town, Thurles and others for many years, winning Best Musical Director at the AIMS awards on a number of occasions.

Danny’s own guidance of generations of young people in Clonmel has translated into careers in professional music and entertainment for many in Ireland and further afield. His love of music, his patient teaching, and above all else, his boundless enthusiasm has been a source of great inspiration to generations of band members.

 

Peter Taylor

Peter is the current Musical Director of Clonmel’s youth concert and marching band, Banna Chluain Meala, where he is highly regarded by both members and management. He is a BA Mus. (Hons) graduate of Waterford Institute of Technology and an accomplished trumpet player. Peter teaches the full range of brass and reed instruments and has worked with students from complete beginners to professional musicians. Under Peter’s direction, the band continues to grow from strength to strength. Most recently Banna achieved 1st place at the Clonakilty Concert Band Championships in July 2017.

In more recent years Peter has focused his attention on developing a music programme which he effectively delivers in primary schools. This programme has resulted in increased interest from children in instrumental tuition. He is involved in extra-curricular music programmes in several schools locally focussing on training Primary School Bands and also is a Musician/Tutor with Music Generation Waterford.

 

Majella Hewitt Forte

Majella has been a member of Banna Chluain Meala for many years, first as a musician playing clarinet and then setting up our corps of majorettes with her sister Gillian. In time, Majella would develop this new visual addition, which greatly enhanced the band’s appearance. This was most evident when the band was on street parade or at field performances. The fruits of her talent and dedication are evident in the many spectacular exhibitions of our Colour Guard at home and abroad.

Along with Gillian, Majella runs a highly successful dance studio in Clonmel called ‘On Your Toes’. Under their leadership, many of the dancers have won national and international competition titles over the years. We look forward to having Majella’s creative presence at Banna for many years to come.

 

Band Committee

In 1972 the first committee of Banna Chluain Meala was formed, comprising of;

President                            Rev Bro. P Redmond

Vice President                   Arthur Power

Chairman                             Supt. Larry McKeon

Secretary                             Sean O’Donnell

Treasurer                            Tommy Norris

Instructors                          Danny Carroll, Sean O Dwyer, Cyril Scally

Professional Coach          Tom Barry          

 

The current committee of Banna Chluain Meala is as follows;

President                            Danny Carroll

Vice President                   Tony O’Keeffe & Pat Furey

Chairman                             Maurice O’Sullivan

Secretary                             Lynsey Mullery

Treasurer                            Michael O’Gorman

Musical Director               Peter Taylor

Colour Guard                     Majella Hewitt Forte

Other                                    Tom Cahill, Niall Carroll, Emmet Donlan,

Vinny Kennedy, Michael Kiely, Brenda Leo, Bernie Lonergan, Noel Lonergan, Joan Lyttleton, Alan McCormack, Nicola Normile & Sharron Williams.

 

Honorary Life Members

For your contribution to the continued promotion of music and dance, we sincerely thank you.

 

Tommy Leach, John Nallen, Liz Nallen Bowen, Max Forte, Michael Woodlock, Vincent Woodlock, Bob Hall, Joe Lambert.

 

List of deceased officers & members

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the following deceased officers and members.

Brother Patrick Redmond, Larry McKeown, Maura Brett, Arthur Power, Siobhan Kearney, Nancy Kenny, Vincent Walsh, Sean O’Dwyer, Kieran Dargan, John Shields, Tony O’Mahony, James Cassin, Fergus Byrne, Maurice (Mossy) Byrne, Alice Cunningham, Tracey Hopkins and Orla Murray.