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 Mullaghboy Accordion Band 50th Anniversary.

Mullaghboy accordion band marked their 50th anniversary in Mullaghboy Orange hall Friday 21st September 2007. Although the band was formed in late 1956 it was decided to wait until the hall was refurbished and hold our reunion supper where most of the band activities actually occurred. The fact that the band first paraded in 1957 meant that we could honestly mark 50 years “on the road” this year.

Current and former members and friends from across counties Cavan, Fermanagh, Down, Leitrim & Monaghan came together for a very special night. The gathering included a number of founding members, one of whom still plays in the band. Central to the occasion was a generous buffet supper which was provided by the band from the proceeds of quiz sheets sold in 2006 at various events attended by the band. Old photographs, some dating back to the 1950’s, and video coverage of the band over the past 15 years or so were displayed. These brought back many memories, mostly happy ones but also a few sad ones, and slight embarrassment for some due to fashion choices and hairstyles. Two former members provided music for those who felt like a waltz or a Scottish reel and later on there were a few frames of pool by the stragglers but above all else it was a night for talking to old friends and many old acquaintances/friendships were renewed.
The band are currently undertaking a recruitment drive for new members and plan to hold training classes on a regular basis over the winter months for beginners and improvers. The improvements to Mullaghboy Orange hall over the last 12 months have made this possible and this is a big change as previously the classes have only been held during the spring/summer period. It is hoped that these efforts will help to secure the bands future for many years, hopefully another 50…..
 
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Mullaghboy Accordion band

 
On 22nd June 2007  Mullaghboy accordion band dedicated a range of band equipment. In addition to purchasing new instruments and capes the band also benefited from generous donations. Grange accordion band gave some surplus instruments and Dunaghy Accordion band donated their old uniforms. The band wishes to thank everyone who has supported them over the years & especially the nine visiting bands who participated in their band parade. 
Mullaghboy band this year intend to parade in five counties including the picnics and band parades in Cavan and Monaghan, Loughgall on “The Twelfth", Lisnaskea on the "Twelfth of August" and Cookstown on the "Last Saturday". To celebrate 50 years of parading the band are also in the process of arranging a special reunion supper for band members past & present in Mullaghboy Orange hall in September.
 

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MULLAGHBOY ACCORDION BAND & IT'S HISTORY

Mullaghboy Accordion band was formed in the 1950s and was predated by a flute band. We are based in Mullaghboy Orange hall near Cootehill Co. Cavan. The band has approximately 20 members who are mainly drawn from the local rural areas of Ashfield and Drung with others from various outlying areas. All ages are catered for with current membership including people from 7yrs to 70 plus. Our instruments are almost entirely button-keyed accordions in the key of B/C ranging in vintage from the 1950's through to some new models bought in 2004. These were purchased with the help of financial assistance from the Dept of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation fund and the proceeds of our own fundraising efforts. Over the past number of years we have  also received  generous donations from two other bands namely Grange Accordion band, Co. Armagh who gave us some of their older instruments which were surplus to requirements and Dunaghy Accordion band, Co. Antrim whogave us their old uniforms when they were getting new ones.  

During 2005 we have participated as a group in 11 public outings including social, religious and cultural events. Most were relatively local in counties Cavan & Monaghan but we also travelled to Raphoe, Co. Donegal, Brookeborough, Co.Fermanagh and Portadown in Co. Armagh. We play a range of traditional marches drawn from varied sources including hymns, Orange songs and Scottish tunes. Examples include "He Rolled the Sea Away", "Shall We Gather at the River", "Jesus Loves Me", "Orange & Blue", "The Sash My Father Wore", "Scotland the Brave", "Mari's Wedding", "Will Ye 'no Come Back Again" and many more. Individual members have on some occassions performed with other music groups and also use their skills for supporting other community activities. This co-operation with other groups was encouraged when some of our members participated in a series of music workshops organised by the Border Minority Group over the past few winters. These sessions gave our members the opportunity to explores different tunes and styles and were instrumental (no pun intended) in forging stronger relationships between local musicians.  

We pride ourselves in providing opportunities for people to learn about, to celebrate and to share their musical tradition. We do this in a family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere and look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary shortly 

Anyone interested in contacting the band please contact the B.M.G. who will pass on the information to us and we will then contact you.

Thank you for taking the time to check us out and we will be updating the info on the site as required.            

 E.&O.E.