Joe McGregor RIP – 25th Oct 2014
The members of the Band are very sad to hear of the passing, following a short illness, of our great friend and President of the Band Joe McGregor. Joe was a lifelong Band member and last year celebrated his 70th year playing Christmas Carols with the Band. Joe joined the Band in his early teens and played Solo Cornet for many years before moving to Baritone which he played up until his recent illness. Joe was always a dedicated member and musician, and seldom missed rehearsals or performances. As a Solo Cornet player he was renowned for his easy vibrato style which made him an excellent soloist. Joe was always a gentleman and he had a great interest in helping the younger Band members and he gave them great encouragement. In 2012 Joe was asked to accept the role of President of the Band in acknowledgement of his lifetime service. Joe will be sadly missed at rehearsals and on performance, but he will be remembered as one of a dedicated group of musicians who steered Blanchardstown Brass Band for over 70 years and are sadly no longer with us.
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.
Joe McGregor RIP
Joe McGregor RIP on left with Martin McAleese, Michael Harford RIP, President Mary McAleese & Eugene Tully RIP.
Michael Harford passed away
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of the longest-serving members in the band’s history, Michael ‘Mick’ Harford. Michael had been a member of the band for well over 60 years, secretary of the band for almost the same length and served as band conductor and musical director from 1994 until his retirement in 2010. His dedicated service and commitment to the band will live long in the memory and he will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.
RIP Michael Harford
The great Mick Harford on baton
Former Bandmaster, Pat O’Brien, passed away
Former conductor of the Blanchardstown Brass Band, Pat O’Brien, passed away on July 28th 2012. He conducted the band during the 1970s and is featured in one of our most famous photographs with President De Valera below. He was the Head Usher in Leinster House for a considerable period of time and was also involved in the Army School of Music. He will be sadly missed, R.I.P.
February 24th 2012: Eb Tuba player Eugene Tully passes away
Eugene Tully was one of the longest serving members of the Blanchardstown Brass Band having joined the Band in his early teens. Over 65 years on and Eugene was just as enthusiastic a member as he was when he first joined the Band, then known as the St. Brigids Brass & Reed Band. Eugene was also a keen GAA player and played for many years with St. Brigids GAA club where he continued to be a lifelong supporter.
Eugene was a most dependable player seldom missing a rehearsal or performance and only last week at the Bands AGM he was singled out for praise by both the Chairman who complemented his total dedication to the Band and by the Bandmaster, who said his playing during the year was an example to others.
Eugene featured on the Capital D TV programme about the Band in 2008 and was later asked to participate in the “Road to Croker” GAA TV programme because of his great knowledge of both GAA Football & Hurling.
Eugene will be sadly missed by all the members of the Band, but will always be remembered as a great Tuba player, who had a genuine love of music and who has for over 65 years helped guide the Band to where it is today. It is fitting that his last performance with the Band was on Sun 6th Feb last when we played after 11 & 12 Masses in St. Brigids Church to help launch the 175th Parish Celebrations.
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.