The Drogheda Brass Band’s fundraising campaign in aid of their new bandroom got off to a terrific start on Thursday last, 27th September, as a packed house in Corrigans guessed, argued, and laughed their way through an entertaining table quiz with a difference. Hosted by quizmaster Brendan Kindlon, question topics ranged from Colombian goalkeepers to singing hippos to Hale and Pace, with the odd Rihanna music video thrown in to keep the lads happy. The host’s multimedia-based quiz format went down a treat, providing a night of great entertainment, while not neglecting to challenge even the most experienced of quiz-goers.
Management at Irish Cement may or may not realise it, but Thursday night proved they’ve got the brains of Drogheda working within their walls, as both first and second prize went to teams made up of staff from the local factory. Others who didn’t fare as well in the quiz came away with terrific prizes from the raffle on the night, while spot prizes were also handed out at various intervals. All prizes were kindly donated by Drogheda companies.
The Drogheda Brass Band, founded in 1886, are currently working on plans to move from their home in George’s Street to a brand new, purpose-built bandroom in Tobarboice Lane, Mell. The project is viewed as essential to the survival and progression of the band, who are the reigning Irish national champions. It is a costly project, however, and the band will naturally be relying on the full support of the people of Drogheda and the businesses of the town. Thursday night marked the beginning of the fundraising that will be crucial to ensuring the band can continue to represent the town on a national level, while also maintaining its place at the heart of the musical scene in Drogheda, as a playing and a learning institution.
It was with great pleasure, then, that band’s fundraising committee welcomed an astonishing 130 people into the function room of Corrigan’s pub on George’s Street, for a night made possible by their support and generosity, and that of a number of local establishments. The band owes a debt of gratitude to all those who gave their time and money for the cause, even when, in some cases, they could not make it to the quiz. Particular thanks also go to the management and staff of Corrigan’s pub, who not for the first time allowed the band the use of their function room and facilitated us in every manner possible to ensure the night was a success. Prizes on the night were generously donated by the Lemongrass Restaurant, Boots Pharmacy, C&N Media Publications, McDonnell’s Centra, Sorrento’s, Dowd’s Menswear, and The Boiled Onion. Posters for the event, excellently designed by Seánaí Conlan, were kindly printed by Maher’s Chemist.
Warmest thanks must, of course, go to the excellent quizmaster on the night, Brendan Kindlon. His imagination, wit, and dedication to finding only the funniest video clips, led to an evening of huge enjoyment for all involved. His questions, and especially his memory rounds, kept everybody on their toes, while his desire and ability to entertain the crowd never wavered. The effort and time he put into the quiz was extraordinary, all the more so given his insistence to do it all without charge. His efforts are greatly appreciated by the band, and his talents were acknowledged and appreciated by everyone present at the quiz. All in all, a terrific night of fun and brain-teasing was had, while the band raised almost €2,000 in its first event dedicated to raising funds for the new bandroom project. Once more, the members of the band extend their sincere thanks to everybody who made the night such a success. There will be many more nights of entertainment to come; hopefully we’ll see more and more faces at each event. Judging by this first event and with the continued support of the town, the future of the Drogheda Brass Band’s looks very promising indeed.
(Article by Barry Conlan who is he Solo Euphonium player with the band)
