Friday 27 December 2013

Two Band Members Remembered.


Front Row: Padraig McGarrigle, Danny McGeever, Seamus Gallagher, Bob Gallagher.
Second Row: Jack Grimes, Packie Gallagher, Jimmy Rafferty, Francis Gallagher, Tom Gallagher, Anthony Begley, James Hoey.
Third Row: Mickie Gallagher, Fergus Lawlor, Michael Dalton, P.J.Goan, Jim Gallagher.
 Back Row: Eamon Gallagher, Cecil Stephens, Michael Gallagher, Eugene McLoughlin, John McGahern

Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band St. Patrick's Day in Sligo 1979.
  
Two Bandsmen Remembered 2013

Cecil  Stephens
Cecil was a member of Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band for over 40 years playing the clarinet and later the bass. His grandfather P.B. Stephens was a founder member of the band and his father Cecil (senior) was conductor and a trustee of the Band in its most successful era in the 1930s. Cecil was secretary of the band for many years and showed meticulous attention to detail and was respected by all bandsmen. He was also actively involved in the orchestra of the Musical Society. He will be sadly missed by his friends in the band and by the wider community who recognised his contribution to the community in so many ways. Band members extend our sincerest sympathy particularly to Sally, John, Anne Marie and Paul and to his extended family.  He had a tremendous interest and knowledge of the history of the area and was generous in sharing his archives with everyone. Cecil Stephens was a great townsman who carried on a family tradition of service to the community.

Jim Gallagher
Jim Gallagher was a lifelong member of Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band joining as a schoolboy in 1943. He was an accomplished cornet player and had a great love and commitment to the band and was proud of his long family association with the town band. His father Hughie played the side drum in the famous Ballyshannon band conducted by Mr. Eldon in 1906-1910. The band played outside St. Patrick's church as his remains were being brought to the Abbey graveyard. Band practice on Monday night was cancelled and a minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect to his memory. Band members extend sympathy to Fiona, Eunan, Brian and Turlough and to his extended family. Band members also recognise Jim's wonderful contribution to Gaelic games and to many aspects of community life.


 

Ideal local gift for all special occasions available at The Novel Idea Bookshop Ballyshannon, Ballyshannon and District Museum and The Four Masters Bookshop Donegal Town.

50% Reduction on postage for orders for this book to all destinations. Genuine special offer from author. 

Signed hard back and soft back books available at special  price for postal delivery or collection. 
Book Available from Anthony Begley West Rock Ballyshannon. anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com  Enquiries welcome for postal and other details