Galway Band

About St. Patrick's Band

St. Patrick's Band has been an integral part of the socio-cultrial fabric of Galway City since it's inception well over a hundred years ago in 1896. Down through those years hundreds of Galwegians have learned to play musical instruments, and been taught the rudiments of music theory in the Bandroom by the dedicated teachers of St. Patrick's Band. In view of the fact that there has never been a publicly funded School of Music in the West of Ireland, if not for the tireless work of this voluntary body, many of these children would never have had the opportunity to learn music.

The Band has been linked with most major events in the history of Galway since it was first established. The annual St. Patrick's Day parade is the obvious (this includes playing at the very first one in 1903) , however the band has played for many dignitaries and other famous visitors to Galway including two American Presidents (Kennedy & Reagan) and His Holiness Pope John-Paul II in 1979. While Irish President Mary Robinson made a personal visit to the Bandroom in 1996 during the bands centenary celebrations.

The premises which affectionately became known as the 'Bandroom', was built on the present location at Frenchville Lane, Forster Street, Galway, around 1900. The Mayor of Galway and Bishop Eamon Casey officially opened the present Bandroom in 1989 following a major re- development programme started in 1986.

Today a wide variety of organisations and musical groups have use of the Bandroom, galvanising its position as a major musical and social focal point for the vibrant western city of Galway. We have this wonderful asset it must be said, due to the foresight of the bands founders and the voluntary work of its dedicated members over the past one hundred years. There is no doubt that the provision of this music centre in the heart of a thriving city like Galway, is a unique achievement for a voluntary organisation. In recognition of the bands unique contribution to music in Galway. Galway City Council awarded its first Mayoral Award to St. Patrick's Band in January 2004 in the Arts and Cultural category. more...

St. Patrick's Brass Band continues to flourish, and the Bandroom continues to resound to the sound of music into the twenty-first century.

March 2004

		Home > About Us About St. Patrick's Band St. Patrick's Band has been an integral part of the socio-cultrial fabric of Galway City since it's inception well over a hundred years ago in 1896. Down through those years hundreds of Galwegians have learned to play musical instruments, and been taught the rudiments of music theory in the Bandroom by the dedicated teachers of St. Patrick's Band. In view of the fact that there has never been a publicly funded School of Music in the West of Ireland, if not for the tireless work of this voluntary body, many of these children would never have had the opportunity to learn music. The Band has been linked with most major events in the history of Galway since it was first established. The annual St. Patrick's Day parade is the obvious (this includes playing at the very first one in 1903) , however the band has played for many dignitaries and other famous visitors to Galway including two American Presidents (Kennedy & Reagan) and His Holiness Pope John-Paul II in 1979. While Irish President Mary Robinson made a personal visit to the Bandroom in 1996 during the bands centenary celebrations. The premises which affectionately became known as the 'Bandroom', was built on the present location at Frenchville Lane, Forster Street, Galway, around 1900. The Mayor of Galway and Bishop Eamon Casey officially opened the present Bandroom in 1989 following a major re- development programme started in 1986. Today a wide variety of organisations and musical groups have use of the Bandroom, galvanising its position as a major musical and social focal point for the vibrant western city of Galway. We have this wonderful asset it must be said, due to the foresight of the bands founders and the voluntary work of its dedicated members over the past one hundred years. There is no doubt that the provision of this music centre in the heart of a thriving city like Galway, is a unique achievement for a voluntary organisation. In recognition of the bands unique contribution to music in Galway. Galway City Council awarded its first Mayoral Award to St. Patrick's Band in January 2004 in the Arts and Cultural category. more... St. Patrick's Brass Band continues to flourish, and the Bandroom continues to resound to the sound of music into the twenty-first century. March 2004