Banna Chluain Meala
Banna Chluain Meala (literally translating as 'Clonmel band') is an Irish marching band which was founded in 1971. Originally a brass band, Banna Chluain Meala later developed as a brass and reed band, which included concert, marching and fieldshow performances. The band also has a colour guard section which enhances marching and fieldshow performances. The total complement of the band has ranged from 100 to 150 members throughout the years which also includes Junior members while they are being instructed prior to joining the Senior Band or Colour Guard. The band has travelled widely abroad to the United Kingdom, Holland and France and represented Ireland at an International Festival in Cheb in the Czech Republic in 2004 to celebrate the new entrants to the European Union. Banna Chluain Meala is one of Ireland's most honoured bands. They hold concert band championship titles on national and international levels. As a marching band they have had unparalleled success nationally, being crowned IMBA Irish champions in the highest division in 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011. They have also had success abroad, most notably as Open Class champions at the British Youth Band Championships at Wembley in 1994.
As well as the above, the band has over the years performed a number of shows including 'Oliver', 'Joseph and His Amazing Technical Dreamcoat' and 'Snow White'.
Band Committee
- President - Danny Carroll
- Chairperson - Michael Kiely
- Vice Chairperson - Tony O' Keeffe
- Secretary - Maurice O'Sullivan
- Treasurer - Tom Cahill
- Asst. Treasurer - Michael O'Gorman
- Events Manager - Noel Lonergan
- Band Member Liaison Officers - Majella Hewitt-Forte & Maurice O'Sullivan
WEBSITE: www.bcmyouthband.com
Awards
The Band has had many achievements in both Concert and Fieldshow in their class including:
- All Ireland Marching Band (Fieldshow) Champions 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011
- British Youth Band Champions (open class) 1994
- Munster Concert Band Champions
- Southern Concert Band Champions
- National Concert Band Champions
- European Concert Band Champions
- Category winners in the Limerick International Marching Band Competition on numerous occasions.
The Band has travelled widely abroad to the United Kingdom, Holland and France and represented Ireland at an International Festival in Cheb in the Czech Republic in 2004 to celebrate the new entrants to the European Union.
One of the band's greatest achievements was the opening of its own Band hall in 1989.