Council Chair hosts a reception for the 90th anniversary of Drumharvey Pipe Band

Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception to mark the 90th anniversary of Drumharvey Pipe Band.

The following is the speech made by the Chair at the reception in the Townhall, Enniskillen:

Good evening Distinguished Guests, 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 90^th anniversary of Drumharvey Pipe Band.

Drumharvey Pipe Band was established in 1934 and over the last 90 years, it has gone from strength to strength.  Every year the band participates in a wide variety of parades and events throughout the province, as well as your own events to raise funds for the band.

The Band also plays a very important role within the community of Irvinestown, particularly at the Lady of the Lake Festival when you give of your time to lead on the opening night and at the Fancy Dress Parade.  Last year you swapped the uniform and got into the spirit of the Festival theme by dressing up as clowns for the parade.  I have to say you looked absolutely fantastic.   You also give of your time to parade at other community events in Irvinestown including the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Christmas Lights.

It was fitting that, during your 90^th anniversary year, the County Fermanagh Twelfth of July demonstration was held in Irvinestown.  You paraded through the streets with your new 90^th anniversary banner to a warm and celebratoty reception from the crowd.

On the morning of the Twelfth some of you joined me to meet the Sectary of State, Hillary Benn, and you also had a service of dedication for nine new pipes, a bog drum and uniforms which was made possible through grant funding and fundraising by the band.

Fermanagh has a rich history of marching bands and Drumharvey has been part of that for the last 90 years.  The support provided by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association here in Fermanagh is also important to promote, develop and encourage piping and drumming in the area.

As well as developing musical talents, being part of a band fosters community spirit and helps to ensure that the culture and heritage is preserved and continued for future generations.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to ensuring that our rich cultural heritage is protected and enhanced and showing our support to Pipe Bands such as Drumharvey contributes to the achievement of this.

I would like to commend each and every member of Durmharvey Pipe Band, past and present, for your commitment to practice, your talents and for wearing the uniform with pride every time you go on parade.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate Drumharvey Pipe Band on your 90^th anniversary and I extend my best wishes to you for the future.

Thank you.