Maghery Fife and Drum Band will bid for a tenth consecutive All-Ireland title when they compete at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast this Sunday.
The nine-in-a-row champions are preparing to defend their crown in the senior fife band competition, continuing a remarkable run that began with their first senior victory in 2015.
Maghery returned to competitive action at the Fleadh in 2011, winning two consecutive junior titles in 2011 and 2012.
The band moved into the senior section in 2013 and spent the following three years developing its sound and performances before securing the All-Ireland title in 2015.
That victory denied local competitors Mullaghduff Band a tenth successive championship. Maghery has now matched Mullaghduff’s record of nine titles in a row and will attempt to move one step ahead this weekend.
A spokesperson for the Maghery Band said: “After the first senior win in 2015, the initial goal was to complete a hat-trick of All-Ireland titles. The band achieved that in 2017, but the run continued and we now find ourselves with an opportunity to win a tenth consecutive title.”
The band has secured six further championships since completing that original hat-trick.
Members are not taking their previous success for granted, however, and have continued to prepare for Sunday’s competition with the same focus required for their first title challenge.
You may also be interested in
The spokesperson said: “Nine titles have earned the band respect, but they do not give us any entitlement to a tenth. Every performance has to be earned and every title has to be defended.”
This year’s group includes experienced members who helped to build the band long before its current championship run, alongside younger musicians who grew up watching Maghery compete and parade through the community.
Some of the youngest members were babies, or had not yet been born, when the band won its first titles. They will now take their place alongside musicians who have devoted decades to Maghery.
The spokesperson added: “Different generations and different faces have contributed to the nine titles. The tradition has been passed from teacher to pupil and from parent to child, with each generation determined to leave the band in a stronger position.”
Supporters from Maghery and the surrounding area are expected to follow the results closely as the band attempts to make All-Ireland history.
The spokesperson said: “The band is delighted to see competition returning and hopes everyone taking part has an enjoyable weekend. The entire community will be behind the members as they compete for that historic tenth title.”