Council Chair hosts a reception for Ballyreagh Silver Band
14th April 2025
Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception to mark the 150th anniversary of Ballyreagh Silver Band.
The following is a copy of the speech made by the Chair at the reception:
Good evening Councillors, ladies and gentlemen
As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to the Townhall, Enniskillen for this reception to mark the 150th anniversary of Ballyreagh Silver Band.
I understand the Band was formed in 1875 and it was named after the townland between Enniskillen and Tempo. In 1912, the Band became a mounted band on horseback, however, in 1914 it returned to the original formation.
An important asset for a Band is a hall where you can practice. You opened your first hall in 1946 where you have continued to play since with refurbishment works being completed in 2012.
Over the years the band has had three new uniforms and I understand you will be having another change this year to mark you special anniversary. This is another important feature of a band as it fosters a sense of unity, pride and identity with the Band.
As well as attending many parades, church services, community events and concerts every year since the formation of the Band, there have also been a number of notable events.
The Band has participated in various competitions with success including winning 1st place in the Grade 2 Northern Ireland Brass Band Championships in 1981 and 1st place in the fourth Grade Brass Band League in the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown in 2010.
In 1953 the Band played at a special service for the Queen’s Coronation and you also participated in a special event in Enniskillen to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday in 2016.
Since 1946 you have attended Fintona Remembrance Sunday and from the early 1970s you have attended the Enniskillen Remembrance Sunday. The Band was also in attendance in 1987 on the day of the Enniskillen Bomb and members of the Band can be seen assisting those who were injured or in distress.
Attendance at events and activities, the upkeep of your Hall as well as the musical instruments and uniform would not be possible without funding and you regularly undertake fundraising events throughout the year including concerts and auctions.
A unique aspect of the Band is the ongoing cross community work with St Mary’s Silver Band in Tempo. In 2013 you completed the ‘Making Music Project’ together which was funded by the EU Peace III Programme. This included a concert in the Ardhowen Theatre and team building on Lusty Beg Island.
This is only a synopsis of the activities and achievements of the Band in your notable history. To attend so many events and activities is commendable and it demonstrates the dedication of each and every member.
This is crucial as a Band’s sound is built on the collective contribution made by each member. This requires regular practice sessions to develop, enhance and combine your music talents. I would like to commend every member for their dedication which has contributed to the success of the Band. I am confident that as well as the success, enjoyment and sense of pride you have every time you put on your uniform and perform, you will also have made many lasting friendships and memories along the way which is important.
To sustain a Band in a rural area for 150 years is a remarkable achievement and you have made a significant and positive contribution to the local community. You have provided people of all ages the opportunity to learn music and be part of a unique family.
A Band is a focal point of community engagement and resilience and this is important to ensure that communities can continue to thrive and the rich traditional heritage and culture continues to be celebrated and preserved. Ballyreagh Silver Band wholly fulfils this which contributes to the achievement of the Council’s commitment to ensure that our communities are resilient, thriving and safe and our heritage and culture is valued and cherished.
On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate all the members of Ballyreagh Silver Band, past and present, for the part you have played in the 150 years of the Band. I am confident that you will continue to go from strength to strength and I wish you every success for the future.
Thank you.