Vincent Dolan retires from army band

Vincent Dolan met and was congratulated by President Michael D Higgins on his retirement from the Army No1 Band after 41 years of service.

Vincent joined the Army Band in 1975 with Mullingar friends Frank Kiernan and Frank Quinn.

All members of Mullingar Town Band and taught by Huby Magee, they enjoyed their musical working day performing at major state occasions and high profile army engagements.

Vincent remained for his full term with the No1 Band and reached the ultimate accolades in 2016, having been involved with the Easter Rising centenary celebrations. As company sergeant and second in command, his duties were increased over the years, to his own delight and that of his fellow musicians.

Highlights of his career include performances at the papal visit in 1979, presidential inaugurations, RTÉ recordings, NCH concerts, foreign military tattoos and many educational school concerts.

After a distinguished career, Vincent was also congratulated in person by the Chief of Staff Defence Forces Vice Admiral Mark Mellett at the Defence Forces Annual Carol Service in Arbour Hill Church and was presented with the chief’s special medal of appreciation.

Director of the Defence Forces School of Music, Lt Col Mark Armstrong, paid tribute to Vincent in front of a full house in the National Concert Hall at a recent gala concert.

Vincent is particularly delighted to have served with other Mullingar men in the Army Band, namely Ger Brady, Adrian Kelly, Jack Brennan and Alan McCormack.

He is also well known in the amateur band circuit, with his successful Clondalkin Youth Band, with the Irish Marching Band Association, and the Association of Concert Bands.

He spends much of his free time involved with young musicians. Proud of his Mullingar Town Band roots, he continues to have an excellent working relationship with the band and the Magee family.