Mullingar Town Band: passion, preparation, and performance

By Ger Greene

In the heart of Mullingar, the air is buzzing with musical notes and rhythmic enthusiasm as Mullingar Town Band dedicate themselves to the return of the Fleadh Cheoil. This year, The Town Band take centre stage again, capturing the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

From early morning to late at night, members of Mullingar Town Band work hard on preparation and rehearsal – not just playing music – it’s also about embracing a shared passion, using it to express their skills, and pushing themselves to new heights.

Rain or shine, they’ve were hard at work, marching through the fields of Gainstown, perfecting their choreography, and refining their performances. Guided by director Kim Magee and assistant director Adrienne Syron, they crafted a drill that encompasses the music and also intricate flag movements, turns, and dance routines.

This year’s preparation was somewhat eased by the band’s victory in the fleadh competition of last summer. Having clinched, their task was to refine their winning formula and bring it to life on stage again.

As Ellie, a senior band member, put it: “The current town band group are a great, hardworking, talented, and passionate group.”

In the face of challenges, the band show resilience and adaptability. Setbacks like dropouts due to injuries or sickness are usually not too disruptive, thanks to well-prepared shadow performers who ensure that the show goes on.

While Irish trad is at the core of their performances, Mullingar Town Band also explore new territories. Their recent performance at the Harbour Field showcased an innovative blend of traditional tunes and modern classics, captivating a diverse audience, and engaging younger listeners with classic songs that all will recognise such as ‘Mr Blue Sky’ and ‘High Hopes’. This fusion of styles demonstrates their willingness to evolve while keeping their roots firmly grounded in tradition and what the fleadh is at its core.

As well as the traditional instruments, the Town Band include saxophones and trumpets to add a unique flavour, allowing them to stand out amidst the traditional backdrop of the fleadh.

For Mia, Alfie, and Aisling, among others, being part of Mullingar Town Band is more than just a musical endeavour. It’s about making memories, honing their craft, and representing their town with pride. Aisling’s dedication speaks volumes as she puts aside other interests to focus on perfecting her craft and showing up to all the performances.

Teamwork and collaboration are vital. Section leaders take on the responsibility of organising uniforms and music, ensuring that every member’s voice and opinion are heard.

As the fleadh drew to a close, Mullingar Town Band’s hard work, dedication, and passion were on full display, their performances a testament to their blend of tradition and innovation, a tribute to the town’s rich culture and the musicians’ talents.

Mullingar Town Band continue to stand as a beacon of unity, friendship, and unwavering commitment, capturing the essence of Mullingar’s musical soul and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who witness their presence on stage.