On St Patrick's Day – committee members Therese O'Connor and daughter Katie; Susanne McNamee and daughter Shauna; and Helen Henry and son Paddy.

Mullingar Town Band's 140-year concert

As Mullingar Town Band continue raising funds for the refurbishment of their bandhall, they are planning a 140th anniversary concert for next month.

The guest performers for the night – at St Paul’s Church in Mullingar, on Friday May 24 (7.30pm) – are soprano Regina Nathan, Fr Ray Kelly, the Singing Priest, saxophonist Don Martin, and, Sébastien Petiet, a member of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, who will be playing bassoon with the band. Sébastien is also a violinist and will perform a solo on the night.

The concert is the highlight in what the band are describing as a ‘window of events from May 12 to May 24’, to include a soundsport competition, and an awards afternoon.

Patricia Magee said: “During that ‘window’ people are invited to the bandhall for a visit – this is the premises we intend refurbishing and we are currently fundraising to do just that.

“To date we have raised approximately €60,000 but need to continue fundraising to match-fund any potential grants.

“We would like to thank the people of Mullingar for their continued support,” said Patricia.

“We had a successful flag-day in town on Saturday April 13, along with a cake-sale and bric-a-brac sale at Mullingar Credit Union.”

Some members and friends of the band will run or walk the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin in June to help with the fundraising.

Patricia added: “We intend to continue our fundraising efforts and have a plan in place – so, if you missed last Saturday don’t worry, there will be more opportunities to make a donation.

“Thank you!”

Concert tickets

Tickets for the ‘40th Anniversary Concert’ in St Paul’s Church on Friday May 24 are €20 and the proceeds are going to the Bandhall Refurbishment Project. Tickets are available now from members of the Band or Telephone 086 1999 497.

Some future summer engagements for the band are the Uisneach Fire Festival, Clonakilty Concert Band Championships, Limerick Marching and Concert Band performance.

St Patrick’s Day

St Patrick’s Day was another success for Mullingar Town Band this year. It is always an exciting and demanding day and this year they paraded in Tullamore, Edenderry, Castlepollard and of course Mullingar. It is also the time of year that the newest recruits, musicians and colourguard are upgraded to the marching band. Congratulations to them.

Keep up to date with Mullingar Town Band/Celtic Crusaders on our Website, and on Facebook and Instagram.