Cloughaneely bands to be honoured with civic reception in the new year

The Cloughaneely Junior and Senior bands will be honoured with a civic reception in the new year.

The Junior and Senior bands were overall winners in their respective categories at this year’s All Ireland Fleadh. The Senior band also took part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in New York City.

The announcement of the civic reception was made by Cllr Michael McClafferty of Glenties MD at a recent council meeting.

Laura Barrett, secretary of the junior band and chairperson of the senior band, said the announcement was “absolutely wonderful” for band members.

“We are all delighted, we’re over the moon,” she said. “It’s a great achievement for both bands.”

The Cloughaneely bands are actively involved in the local community, bringing in members from Gortahork, Falcarragh and surrounding areas.

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“Some of our members fly up and down from Dublin for practice,” said Laura. “It just shows their dedication and commitment. We’re all volunteers so it’s great to be recognised.”

It will be a poignant occasion for the bands, as Laura acknowledged the “tough” year that was had for band members.

In February, 13-year-old Enya McMurrough sadly passed away in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. From Gortahork, Enya was a first-year student of PCC Falcarragh and a member of the junior band.

Just weeks later, the Gortahork community lost 20-year-old Jamie Diver and 17-year-old Shaun Martin McClafferty, who tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident at their homeplace, Baltoney.

The civic reception will honour the Gortahork and Falcarragh communities. It will also coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Senior band, formed in 2016. The Junior band has been active for over 40 years.