Momentous times for Newmarket Pipe Band
LOCAL men who died in World War 1 were commemorated recently when Newmarket Pipe Band played a poignant salute in the town on November 11, joining with commemorations taking place across the world on the same day
A large crowd gathered at the New St cross to commerate the ending of WW1 and honour the 37.000 Irishmen who died in that terrible conflict.
On the day Newmarket Pipe Band played the tune ‘When The Battle Is Over’, a tune played across the world to commemorate those involved in the war.
The piece which was composed by William Robb pays tribute to the 16 million people who died in the Great War, and the Pipers who led the men into battle.
“It was most gratifying for our Band members to mark the ending of World War 1,” band PRO Dermot Jones said, “very many Cork men perished as well as 2,000 Pipers who bravely led the troops into battle. Among those we salute the six Newmarket men who gave their lives in that war”, he said.
Locally the O’ Sullivan Brothers from Scarteen St. and the McAuliffe brothers from Glenamuckla lost their young lives. Their memories were honoured along with the thousands of brave Irishmen on November 11th.
It was a poignant ceremony in the centre of Newmarket, rounded off with refreshments served in the bandroom and just the latest in a series of events in what has been a momentous year for the band.
Band members together with their families and friends got together in Glash Community Centre recently to mark the 55th anniversary of the founding of Newmarket Pipe Band. The band has been part of the fabric of the local area since 1963.
“It is a great amenity that any Village or Town has a Band of its own, which can be called upon to mark any occasion, thereby adding colour and notoriety to the occasion,” PRO Dermot Jones told The Corkman.
“Thankfully, this has been the case in Newmarket over the past 55 years, and indeed the local people appreciate the Band’s involvement in sporting and cultural events that were held in the area over the years” Dermot added.
Pipe Major Alison Fitzpatrick thanked all those who continue to support the Band. “We really appreciate their generosity” she said.
The Band rehearses every Thursday night from 8pm in their Clubhouse at the Kerry Road in town, and are always eager to welcome new members. Anyone interested can either turn up at rehearsals or contact Mairead at 087 7174854.
A wonderful book on the history of Newmarket Pipe Band penned by Dermot Jones can be purchased locally or from Band members.