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BLUEHAWKS MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW
Banna Chluain Meala’s fieldshow unit, the Clonmel Bluehawks won the 2011 All Ireland Marching Band Championships at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday 10th September. This was three in a row for the Bluehawks and five wins in six years. It was a wonderful achievement for the band members who have shown so much dedication and commitment in preparing their show since early in 2011. The show is called "0ut of the Blue" which explores the journey from darkness to light. The Bluehawks are now one of the top Marching Bands in Europe, which is a great achievement for all the young Musicians, Dancers and their Instructors. The many hours of hard work and dedication helps foster discipline, fitness and excellent musicianship and dance, as well as wonderful friendships which will hold many happy memories for this great group of young people for the rest of their lives.
Many congratulations to Alan McCormack, Field Commander and Majella Hewitt Forte, Colorguard Instructor and their hard working team, Emmet Donlan, Liam O’Brien, Jamie Millea, Eoin Redmond, Tom Woodlock and Clare McAleavey. Thanks also to the parents and all those who helped in any way.
Banna Chluain Meala is 40 years old this year and winning the All Ireland Championship again is a clear sign that the current group of young musicians and dancers are a shining example of the band’s high standards throughout all those years.
40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 1971 - 2011
Our Band celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year and a number of events are planned to mark the occasion.
A Photographic and Memorabelia Exhibition, in association with South Tipperary Museum will be on show at the Museum from June 3rd to July 9th.
On June 10th a concert in St Mary’s , Irishtown, will feature Banna Chluain Meala, Band of the 1st Regiment Cork, and Kidderminster Male Voice Choir.
The Band will perform at Mick Delahunty Square on the evening of July 9th as part of the Junction Festival to coincide with the closing of the Museum Exhibition.
A Marching Bands Competition in association with the Irish Marching Bands Association will be held at Clonmel Rugby Club on August 29th.
On September 24th a concert for Parents, Patrons and Friends will be held at Hotel Minella. The concert will also feature a special “Past Pupils Band”.
On October 22nd a Dinner Dance will be held at Hotel Minella.
BLUEHAWKS ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS 2010
Our Fieldshow Unit the Clonmel Bluehawks won the All Ireland Championship in Athlone on 11th September with their show, Les Miserables. The Bluehawks won all captions under which they were judged. It was the end of a great year for them as they won all four competitions in which they participated. This was their fourth All Ireland win in five years and tenth in all.Congratulations to all the members and especially to Alan McCormack, Field Commander, Majella Hewitt Forte, Colorguard Instructor and their teams.
2009 US trip a great success
We had a wonderful time on our recent visit to Chicago and Peoria. 122 of us left Clonmel on 30th June for Chicago. We spent two days sightseeing in that lovely city assisted by our friends the Shanley and McGrath families who reside there.
On 2nd July we left for Peoria and arrived at a park outside the city, on the banks of the Illinois river where we were warmly greeted by the Friends of Clonmel Committee and our host families.
On the evening of 3rd July we performed at a concert at Glen Oak Park to an audience of around 20,000 people which was followed by a wonderful fireworks display. On 4th July we marched in the West Peoria Parade in very heavy rain but were warmly welcomed by crowds of people along the route. That evening we performed at The Riverplex Leisure Complex and later viewed the 4th July fireworks on the banks of the river. Some of our group performed with the local music group at a mass in St Thomas Church on the afternoon of 5th July and we gave our final performance that evening at Shea Stadium to an audience of around 4000 people.
On 6th July our young people enjoyed leisure activities with the host families while the adults went to Springfield to visit the Abraham Lincoln Museum and the Governors Mansion, followed by a lovely party at Bud and Shea Kelley’s house.
Our performances which included concert, marching, fieldshow and traditional music and dance went down very well with our American friends.
We all arrived back in Clonmel at lunchtime on 8th July, tired but filled with memories of the warmth of the people and the friends we made which will live in our hearts forever.
To all on both sides of the Atlantic who contributed in any way to making our trip possible we extend a heartfelt thanks.
Special Honour for Tony and Pat
At the end of the Civic Reception the Band gave a special presentation to committee members, Pat Furey and Tony O’Keeffe for long and dedicated service. They were enrolled as lifetime Vice Presidents of the Band. A fitting tribute to two great people.
See some pictures from the night in our gallery.
Civic Reception for Banna
On Friday 19th October 2008, the Mayor Councillor Richie Molloy and the members of Clonmel Borough Council accorded a Civic Reception to Banna Chluain Meala for our contribution to the community over the last 36 years.
We were very proud to receive this honour and wish to thank the Mayor and the Borough Council for a lovely ceremony and excellent hospitality on the night.
See some pictures from the night in our gallery.
Holland Trip 2007 a great sucess
Our trip to Purmerend in Holland from 23rd to 27th August to visit our friends the Willem Eggert Band was a huge success. We had a wonderful time. We wish to thank all the organisers in Purmerend and in particular the members of the Willem Eggert Band, and the community in Zuidoostbeemster for the excellent hospitality which we received.
UPDATE: The entire gallery of our trip to Holland is now online.
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