Write a commentOn the last night of her year as Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Cllr Gillian Fitzpatrick held a Civic Reception at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in Newry to commemorate Mayobridge Band who this year celebrate 40 years at the top of their game.
Gillian spoke of the formation of the band in August 1977 “Mayobridge Band was the brainchild of John Lively, an ordinary family man who just loved music. Unfortunately John didn’t live to see the great success of the band as he died only 18 months after the band had started but he played his part in getting the band off the ground and his early committees took over the mantle”
In their last 40 years Mayobridge Band have won 7 All Ireland’s, a European title and performed for Irish Presidents and government as well as visits to the UK, Isle of Man and Canada.
Gillian added “The current band work as a parade band and have made a massive name for themselves, performing at the Rose of Tralee, Maiden of Mourne, the Down Football Final, Fiddlers Green and various festivals around Ireland, and especially on the Mayobridge pitch.
"Indeed this year they were invited to lead the St Patrick’s Day Parade in London, what an honour, what an honour for us all as a community but also for yourselves. This was not only for the band, it’s hard working committee and behind the scene workers, but for the village of Mayobridge and the whole district of Newry, Mourne and Down. Without doubt you are the best known band, I don’t have to tell people about you"
Seamus Lively spoke of the early days at the reception “Mayobridge Band, the whole idea of it rattled round my fathers head for about two years. In the summer of 77 he got my brother to go and have a chat with the late great Jerry Quinn and Jerry put it in the ‘Bridge Bulletin and got a meeting together to see who would be interested in starting a band. 17 people turned up and they decided to start a committee on that night.”
In 1999 the band went to Canada and played in the St Patrick’s day Parade, appeared on breakfast TV in Canada as well as making an appearance on the Late Late Show with Pat Kenny and S Club 7!
Gillian also thanked photographers present for their coverage through her year.
Mayobridge Band's next major assignment is this Sunday where you will see them perform at Pairc Esler for the Armagh v Down Championship game.
