Clondalkin Youth Band celebrates 40 years in style

“THEY Learned so much more than just learning to use an instrument,” reflects Tara Christopher of the Clondalkin Youth Band, reports Ryan Butler.

The band celebrated their 40th anniversary in style over the weekend, with a gala ball at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel on November 7.

Former and current band members and committee members came together to celebrate 40 years since Finbar Brady first asked musical director Vincent Dolan to set up an after-school music programme in St Joseph’s Boy’s National School.

Since then, the band has grown from strength to strength, travelling all over Ireland and even travelling to the United States. They have been involved in multiple World Championships, even winning the gold medal this year.

It has not always been ideal, though; Tara reflects on COVID, remembering that after the pandemic, they had no home, the uniforms were not fit for purpose, and Vincent wanted to step down.

In the years since, Tara, as well as her husband Neal, has taken the reins in the band, found a new home in Colaiste Chillain, and has continued to fundraise for new instruments and new uniforms.

The band had a “fantastic” night celebrating their successes, with their longest-serving member being presented with a Special Service Award.

Alan Canning has been a member of Clondalkin Youth Band since they were first founded back in 1986 and is still marching today alongside his son.

The night also celebrated Vincent Dolan for setting the foundation for the band 40 years ago. It was a night for the band to sit back, look at the photographs of past events in the band’s history, and reflect on how far they have come.

Tara also reflects that a considerable number of people came over to the band over the course of the night to tell them, “We helped shape who they are.”

The band themselves did not perform on the night, but the Swing Cats performed to pay tribute to them, providing music for the estimated 140 guests in attendance.

Coming up for the Clondalkin Youth Band, they have their 40th Anniversary Mass at 3pm in the Immaculate Conception Church in Clondalkin Village on November 22.

Following this, they will be having their annual Christmas Service on December 14 at 7:30pm in the Immaculate Conception Church, with all donations going to the Capuchin Day Centre providing homeless support.

Tara would like to thank all of the committee members for the success of the night, particularly Jodie Mooney, for the success of the night.

For more information, visit Clondalkin Youth Band’s socials on Instagram or Facebook.