This article makes a case to preserve the Bandroom of St Patrick's
Band and its site as an important musical and cultural centre
in the heart of Galway. It places on record some of the work
of people such as the late and lamented Chairperson of the band,
Patrica Folan.
The collective work of many people, past and present, who have
been involved with the band since it was founded in 1896, has
resulted in the establishment of a town band and the provision
of unique musical facilities in the centre of Galway. Their
work must not be swept away in the cause of 'so-called ' progress.
A modern city must have a cultural heart with deep roots in
the community.
Parts of the parish of St. Patrick's have been utterly transformed
by developments and places such as Forster Street are unrecognisable
today to older Galwegians. The landscape of the Fairgreen/Station
area has changed due to large development projects, some of
which are still in progress. Throughout these developments 'the
band plays on'.
St. Patrick's Band continues to play in its home at Frenchville
Lane as it has continued to do for over one hundred years. There
have been difficulties, not least enduring pressure from Galway
Corporation to move from its site. But the Bandroom continues
to be a cultural and musical oasis amid all the developments.
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