The Maghery Band made it six years of success in a row, as they claimed the win at the annual Easter Band Competition in Dungloe over the weekend.
All-in-all, members of the Maghery Senior Band took home five titles on the day, including Best Music, Best Drum Corp, Best Drum Major, Best Band on Parade and the first place in their section to boot.
They put on a Riverdance-themed spectacle, one that had been in the works for a long time; an idea spanning back to Easter 2020 before the pandemic lockdown put them on the shelf.
“We have been very fortunate for the past number of years to have a team of people who wish to work towards the same purpose. We love to entertain and performing like we do is that very outlet for us,” the band’s instructors said.
“When the instructors sat down to discuss the idea of Riverdance we knew that our take on it would have to work within the realms of a marching band. It would be very easy to have a dancer perform the routine but we are a marching band and have to perform as such. That is always at the core of our performances – basic marching, music and drumming.”
“We love to amplify those elements and marry the basics whilst also thinking outside of the box.”
“2025 felt like the right time to revisit the Riverdance idea and also tying in with the Riverdance 30th anniversary & Maghery’s 80th Anniversary.”
“With the help of music instructors Gerard McShea, Alice & Hannah Houston and drum instructor Jamie Glackin the band trained through the winter to bring to life the band’s version of Riverdance.”
The band will now be working towards Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Wexford in August and will be defending their eight consecutive wins in the hope to obtain their ninth All Ireland title.
