Firstly, at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ardee, the band received a great welcome from all of the people who gathered to watch. All of the band members were very impressed with the enthusiastic applause that they received as they marched up the main street. The band members might make it look easy but it is quite difficult to march and play music at the same time. Great credit must go especially to the younger members who were marching for the very first time.
Secondly, the band was grateful to the many people who supported their Church Gate Collection in Ardee and Ballapousta on Easter weekend. The people of Ardee and surrounding area are always very supportive . On this occasion, over Eur 2000 was raised.
And thirdly, a big thank you must go to the many people who turn up every week for the Sunday night Bingo in the Bohemian Centre. A new jackpot was started recently which is proving very popular, a recent winner received Eur 2600. The current jackpot stands at Eur 1200 and increases by Eur 100 each week on 48 numbers.
Recent and Forthcoming Events
The band played at 12noon Mass on Saturday 15th March for the deceased members of the band. The 12noon Mass on Sunday 16th March was offered for the living and deceased supporters of the Ardee Concert Band Bingo.
On Sunday, 30th March, the band will compete in the Concert Band Section (Section 2) of the National Band Championships at the University Limerick Concert Hall. The test piece is ‘A Cambrian Suite’, and the chosen piece is ‘ Journey and Celebration’ A lot of hard work and rehearsing has gone into preapring for this event. Over the Easter holidays, the band worked hard with extra rehearsals most days under conductor Harry Kelly.
The band has begun preparing for a joint concert to be held in the Bohemian Centre on Friday 9th May. This year, the band will be joined by the 50 strong Bailieborough Concert Band. Each band will play their own programme before getting together to play a number of finale pieces. Also taking part on the night will be the Recorder Group and Junior Band from Ardee and the Bailieborough Swing Band. It promises to be a good nights entertainment