Site foreman Denis McGivney (building contractors, Elliott Properties Ltd) and sub contractors with Hubie Magee, Bernadette Gibney, and Kim Magee, Mullingar Town Band, inspecting the ongoing work at the bandhall.

Bandhall refurb is expected to finish before Christmas

The Mullingar Town Band (MTB) refurbishment project is near completion, and the band hopes to return to the bandhall before Christmas.

Upcoming events including an Afternoon American Tea Party with music by Enda Cassidy on Sunday November 17, followed by a St Cecilia’s Day Hamper Raffle on November 22.

“We are grateful to St Brigids School for accommodating the Band rehearsals, Junior Classes and Colour Guard for the past few months,” says MTB director, Kim Magee.

“Fundraising is ongoing and will be for some time to come but it will be worth it. The newly refurbished building will be well insulated throughout and it will have a new roof; new toilet facilities with an additional disability toilet and disability access throughout; two new teaching rooms; new windows and doors; better storage facilities; painted throughout.

“Mullingar Town Band has educated thousands of children in music over the years and especially so in the last 40 years. The newly refurbished Bandhall will be a facility for use by the whole community of Mullingar. We want to share it with everyone, children and adults alike.

“We are delighted that Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will avail of the premises in August 2020.”

Mullingar Town Band supports the community, band members are also members of local music groups, school orchestras, ensembles, choirs, etc.Music is for sharing. Mullingar Town Band will continue to provide music for all but we do need your help.

On Sunday November 17, Mullingar Town Band will host an Afternoon American Tea Party with music by Enda Cassidy. You can also look forward to entertainment by the Celtic Blondes and Mullingar Town Band. Tickets are €10 and available from Rochfort’s and Walsh’s Jewellers.

You also might like to support the St Cecilia’s Day Hamper Raffle. St Cecilia is patron saint of musicians and her feast day is November 22 which is the day all hampers will be raffled. If you see one of the sweet or gourmet hampers please buy a line for €2. Of course if you would like to participate, please contact 086 199 9497.

MTB are grateful to the following schools and businesses for supporting this including Dalystown NS; St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge; Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn; Loreto College; Mullingar Golf Club; St Kenny NS, Kilpatrick; Presentation Snr School and Presentation Jnr School; Mullingar Educate Together; Mullingar Community College; First Floor Hair and Beauty Salon; Gloss Hair and Beauty Salon; Clarke’s Bar; Con’s Bar; Kerrigans; Gilleran’s; Wallace’s; Cosgrave’s; The Chambers; St Colman’s NS; Caffrey’s Bar; Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar; Gemini Hair and Beauty; Rev. Alastair Graham; Gaelscoil an Choillín and Spiced Bean Café.

We look forward to Spring 2020 when we will invite you all to the bandhall and you can see first hand what your money is being spent on.

To quote Billy Joel: “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”