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'The music of the 'Pass' By Andrew Halliday
THE SOUND of music has floated down the valley by the Government to act as law enforcers for that area of through the village of Poyntzpass and surrounding under the command of George Atkinson Mill vale, district for hundreds of years. It has helped to mould Lieutenant in First Newry Volunteers. They had a the history by its contribution to both the social and drummer named R. Best in the corps. His main func recreational activities of the local community. tion would have been to set themarching time and relay However, some of the earliest recorded references to commands. His drum would have been side-drum music relate to the instruments used by armies which which was more suitable for long route marches. marched down the valley. In 1690 William III led his army down through Poyntzpass area after leaving Scarva on his way to the Boyne. Drums would have been used to 'mark time' for mar LAMBEGS IN POYNTZPASS ching and to send commands in the midst of battle. too reference was made to Folklore has it that the famous Lambeg drums were A not flattering Lambeg drums in an article from 'The Portadown News' dated brought to Ireland from Holland by troops of Duke 1948. It refers to the Twelfth Schomberg who was William's second in command. Saturday July 17th, demonstration held in on the These drums are huge, measuring 72 centimetres or Poyntzpass previous more in diameter and 61 centimetres in width and Monday.' we when on we heard would have been difficult to carry over the rough ter 'OnMonday gasped waking the down in torrents and dark rain of that day. They may have been given their name rain coming forebodings were 9.30 there was a break in the from the fact thatWiliam stopped at Lambeg outside universal. Towards ten o rain had Lisburn on his way to the Boyne. However, another clouds and by 'clock the gone enabling the to to the station under theory is that the first Lambeg drum was made for the orange processionists get conditions. A few showers Battle of the Diamond in September, 1795 after which favourable weather light fell the visit to the 'Pass'. the Loyal Orange Institution was founded. This 'skir during mish' was between the Roman Catholic Defenders and .The weather improved out of all recognition for to saw what was believ the Protestants of that area who were loyal to the the annual trip Scarva which crown. ed to be one of the biggest attendances there. Two lit about both struck me At any rate the beating of drums has long been tle points of criticism meetings and are offered in a Oh associated with Orange processions. It has been record they friendly spirit. Why, why, are to be beaten the ed that a drum was carried at a Twelfth of July the drums allowed during progress of the field In the Press demonstration inCo. Armagh in 1796 to commemorate meetings?. Poyntzpass, the ow the Battle of the Boyne. Lord Gosford of Markethill representatives 'several times gave up ghost1 a confirms this in a letter to the Lord Lieutenant, Lord ing to the din. I did see one steward stopping drum Camden in Dublin Castle. mer, but what was one voice among 20 or 30 Lambeg ' In Scarva theMemorial Service a 'Ihave the honour to acquaint your excellency that drummers. during con of drums (if that is the term for themeeting of Orangemen took place. One party 'battery' right " located half a mile rent the heavens. sisting of 30 companies with banners etc after parading Lambegs) away Some local drummers and include Issac through Portadown, Loughgall and Richhill came past present and Jack Reid Bob Bob towards this place. The party had one drum and each (brothers), Whiteside, Wylie company had a fife and two or three men in front with and M. Blore. It is sometimes forgotten that Lambeg drums were at one time common at 'Nationalist' painted wands in their hands who acted as com quite " some manders. demonstrations and were particular favoured by This 1796 combination of the fife and drum was to members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Two which were once in the of become a traditional part of the Orange culture. Lambegs played village A further reference to the use of drums for military Poyntzpass by the Local Hibernians have been preserv ed. were named "The Band of and purposes can be found in the records of the They Armagh" Mullaghglass Yeomen. This corps was formed in 1797 "Patrick Sarsfield." 00 I i ! s I 2? ff
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PHHIbBBBBBbIf^^^^^^^HLPftg_j||a^pjp^B^B^B^B^B^BKpj?a|^B^BH|ajpjpjpjMBBBBBBBBjBBBBBBBaSB^BBBBBBBBB*BBB;BBBBBBBBr^BBBBBBBBBBB^BBBB& ^bbbbbbbbbbbbhIbbbb^^bbbbbbbbbbbbBH^bbbbbbbV^Iil^Bi^^^'"^^IHbbHbbIbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbV ? ^^CmJbbbbt)_MW_%M__2-WSk-AWm.toKSIbb^bbbbbbW^Jjf,***Jbbbbk.*''rv, ^HRjhgfeflllS'W^K^S^afAj|j^9^^^K^'sB^BBBBbP^J^BB^BB^BBBBBBBEIBBBBBB^BBBBBBBBmBJBbY7 * BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBJ^Bl^^^B^BBBBBBBBBBBBr^rT7:-~v^^|"^flH^^^m^iBBBBBBBBMBBB^^Hf and History Poyntzpass District Local Society_9 DRUM DEAL son, Charles Halliday, Watson Dillon, Leslie McDowell, J. Brown, David Cairns, George Loughlin, one The formation of of the oldest bands in Poynt John Lyttle, Jim Loughlin, Roy Harshaw, Maxwell zpass district has an interesting story. A Mr. Herron Smyth, J. Huddlestone and the conductor Mr. M. an of Armagh, made two big drums for Orange Lodge McDowell of Banbridge. in Poyntzpass. However, the lodge members thought Poyntzpass Silver Band continues to thrive today that were too to one an they heavy carry. Then, Saturday with enthusiastic group of local musicians. They a man Hewitt from ar at afternoon, called Mark Belfast, play many of the local band parades and Orange a rived for drumming match. It was discovered that Demonstrations. The major event in the band calen his drums were than the drums and as lighter Armagh dar is the parade which they organise every 1st July a result a deal was done and the men attracts a Poyntzpass bought which large number of bands and a huge the lighter drums. One of Mr. Herron's heavy drums crowd. They also play at church services and other was later 'cut down' tomake a bass drum for the first social events in the local community. flute band. This band, formed in 1884, was known as "The Queen Victoria Flute Band" and wore a smart Hussar type uniform with pill-box caps. Amongst the first men who joined were three brothers called McMurray and THE SOUND OF THE "OLD ORANGE DRUM" others included David Lyttle, W. Poole, Bob Gibson, William Gibson and William Burke. When had they In the early 1900's there were several other bands mastered their instruments, aMr. a native of area Moody, in the such as Sheepbridge, Searce and Tullyhap in Belfast, heard the first flute band Poyntzpass, living py. These were all 'first flute' bands. Peter Murtagh He that it would be a idea to play. thought good get recounted to me the story of when he used to play in the band to for his in Belfast on play Orange Lodge the Sheepbridge Flute Band in the early 1900's. (Peter the 'Twelfth' in 1885. He contacted David and Lyttle was 100 years old on 16th April, 1992). He was taught on the 'Twelfth' the band travelled to the ci morning the drums by Mills Megaw 'from Rathfriland direc train. were met Mr. who took ty by They by Moody tion' who always maintained that if you were playing them to the at Carlisle Circus. On the assembly point the drums on your own you should invent your own the band the well-known tunes and way played Orange rhythms to give distinction to your playing. received a from the crowds. great reception waiting Anyhow, one Sunday evening Peter arrived atMills At the end of the First World War the committee Megaw's house with his side-drum (strapped on to the sold their flutes and obtained a new set for one-key bicycle) for repair. He was in complete desperation The name was then to part-music playing. changed because there was a parade the next day (Monday 15th Conservative Flute Band' and this was it's 'Poyntzpass August) for the Hibernians. The old drum was done name until 1954 when the flutes were sold and a set and he told Mills that he needed another drum if he of silver instruments These instruments were bought. was to play the next day. Mills gave a bit of a grin from and Hawkes in and purchased Boosey England and told him not to worry that there were plenty of across to Belfast. arrived at shipped They Goraghwood drums in the Orange Hall in Newry and that there station and were to Charles initially brought Halliday's would be no problem borrowing one for a few days at for safe The band then garage Jerrettspass keeping. as the Orangemen didn't go out much on 15th August. became known its title of Silver by present 'Poyntzpass The two of them set off for Newry and sure enough Band.' were able to borrow a drum from Downshire Orange One of the differences on the administrative side bet Hall. ween country and town bands is the outside commit The next Peter set off for the with his - day parade tee a committee formed outside the band to run it. borrowed drum strapped to the bicycle. Peter claims In 1961 the of this committee was Mr. it was the on president Joseph best sounding drum parade that day. Hall and the band consisted of the members: "Sure there is following nothing better than an "Old Orange E. First Trombone, Sidney Hall; Bass, Loughlin; Drum" playing for the Hibernians on the 15th of David Second Tenor, Atkinson; Tenors, Harry Smyth August." and A. Shanks; Double Bass, John Fegan and Norman Ingram; Flat Bass, Joseph Moorehead and William Lyttle; Euphonium, David Steel; Baritone, T. McCombe, Solo Horn, D. McDowell. Others were: J.McComb, John McKee, Jim Sterritt, Joseph Atkin s? ? I 32 8I *'"?* *$"*-'"*~.'**?. ;S^ ^if :^J^BB^BKjpR^^P^yHP^^ ML^^i^i^biMfcjIimpBfKd^B^^BBBaaWl ."*---i;;>*'?,?*_:. ^.. Bl^i|^U|sfl^Lw^bbKB^bbWV^BaaaaaaaaafSaaaaaaPHLVHBfliyB^Vl*kaVKla^BBaaaaaaaaKTraaaaaaaH\? ^^BBaaaaaa^BaaaaaaaV^Baaaaa^raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaKBaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa^^'^Mffl^m^mW&$v^bbtaftaaBBBamWaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal ',^rf*ss~? "^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^I^^H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B^^aSlJ^^^I^B'"^^^^^wSI^^^^^^^^bbsV-^aaawBBBBBIaf^aaaaaaaaaaaaaaT^^^^^^^^^'wBaaaaaaaaaaaaaaBl9B^BBSB^Ba9^W^"*"mPJ^BBBBBBBBBBB^&MBBWBE2yBBBBBB"BaaBBt- Cranny,Gerry Conlon, Jim McSherry, JoeBurns, Pat Loughlin, Pat Campbell, Backrow: HarryLoy, PaddyDaly, McSherry,JimPat TommyMcSherry, Eiver Second row: Joe Monaghan, MauriceThirdrow: FrankMcCourt, Terry Seamus Magill,TomFrank McSherry,Canavan, Gerry Pat Monaghan, JBJIb^RfJ|^^5mB|^~jm^^^WKt**^^0V^^';^^m^mA?aVJHIHP^BV^BBaaaaaaaaaaaaa^BaaaGBaaalA*W'm,,^ItTTaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaVK Rev.Fr.P. Gallagher (President), MulliganMurray, (Conductor), ?Murphy, Andy ST.PATRICK'SFLUTEBAND?1947 McSherry,Thomas Iaaaa^BaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiaHBMi^^?tT9!^lBaaaaaaaaa^^Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa^Btbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb^i^\^i~.^Mdaa^iBaaaaaava^Tr^Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaal^: ^^JaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaBaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa\ir?u~n\'iumm*&^aaaaaaaaaaaaa^BK* Front row (1. to r.) : PhilWatters, McKee, MickeyDaly, Seamus McKee, Pat Pat Jl^^aB^BBBBBBBBBBBBaBBBBliaBiS!!v*?*aaBWBaBBaBBEc9BBaft^pH-*&*3f'^^lBBB^^raB^BBBBB?7^^MSB^aaM^^SP^^^fH!^^^BBl^B^BBBBal aaaa>aBaalBaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaBB^BaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaBaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa^flnBS^BBa^BBaaaaa*bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb*2Baaiik?SbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbBiBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBbV ^bbbbbjbbbbbbjf^^bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbk*aaaTP*^Baaaaaaaaaa Monaghan,Vincent Joe Canavan. Daly, ^"^^^^^^^^H^^^^l^faaaaaaaaaaaaaatJaaHiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!'J^KtiH^H^^E^^^BF^Ja^^ Burns. Sean Daly.Sands, McSherry.Paddy ^Lbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb^^^9*\I'!!!!Sbb^^X^^^ft^^BaaaHBaw^BBaaa^^^'^^^^9|bK^~"l~ Jimmy Canavan, Y*SLk<^i^^bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbmaESBBamJ'-?5*^'**^4SbbT^^^aiaVSa^aBBfefiSHBaa^BBB&tjni^'^^Jx^'^'taaaaaaaaaaaf" lL'^^aBaBaHLaBBBBB^^^^BBBBBBB^-<^Baaaal^BBaaaaaaaaaa^SlBaaRiaaaaaaaa^BBii^8BWH J?B^y%fe*ffl Ha^bbbbbbRI^bbbbbbbbbbbV^Sbbbbbbb^bb^^ :^^^lB^BaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaK'^^^^BBa^BW^^" ''' 1 aaaaS W ^v"'^'-^a^^ aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat I I I I Xi S 9 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B^^^&^^^SBHBp^^^^^WbI^^9^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H bW^^^^j^BbbbbbbB!*^9k.I^L^L^L^L^L^L^B^L^L^L^LBr^Baa^Pi^^a^BBBWpiiHB|g::1|??f^1bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbWilJ^H?::lli' ' IISTl Mf*y|r ~J^B JmWmfi3m%^ :\aW ** ^aBlat -M ^'^&bIbbK lldl^BBHsBBm. -JNJ^J" aW;% JMa^BBBaaf J ^7 afaBaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaS^^^^aBaawMraHt*\JbbbbbVP^&?:'*W:>'!aaaaWkJbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbWI:;'iBfl:^ *: -: bbwHs jflV^^W 7& ? JT *g*BK^fe^' Hall a Jbbbb^*. liaBSttayiaraB Jaii^^?B^^^^BByHHBa^P^^^^P^B? ^mfi^^vHa^REBBaVl ifS^^ TommyMcSherry, JohnMorgan, Denis PaddyMcSherry (Chairman). ^^^^r^^^BBBBaV^W^^L^^^L^^awK^BaBBkJbbbbbbbbbbw^aBV^2^BBB^aW^Jbbbbbbbbbb^! McVeigh,Seamus PhilWatters, JoeDaly. McGrath, BBBaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam 'iBM'-^- ^aaaBaaaaam t. .^HBr^^Ham . JlBX. ^^^^^^^^WS- 'l^lfB .a^aaaaaaW Campbell,EiverMcSherry. and District Local History Society 12_Poyntzpass ST. PATRICK'S BAND This band was disbanded at the beginning of the war but in 1945 a part-flute band was established large to ACCORDING the late, Paddy McSherry, ly because of the efforts of Fr. Patrick Gallagher, C.C. a of some sort in of there has been band the village Mr. Thomas Mulligan, an excellent musician and Poyntzpass since the middle of the last century and former member of Terry Ruddy's famous Newry band, while itmay have ceased to exist from time to time, was employed as band master and under his expert tui someone there has always been keen enough to pull tion, the band reached great heights of excellence. By it together again. the late forties, however, a decline had set in and with was a The first band in the village silver band numbers falling, the locals took the radical step of join to at turn which ceased function the of the century. ing forces with the remnants of a flute band from were to a How good they is hard say but they had band Laurencetown, Co. Down with Mitchell Geoghegan room in Church Street at that time. At the beginning as band master. This union lasted for two or three a was - of the century flute band started Paddy years, but in 1951 the decision was taken to change McSherry playing the triangle as a small boy. This instruments and the first accordion band was founded. war was band broke up about the time of the great but Paddy McKernan of Tandragee was the first in to re-formed in the early 1920's surviving up the end structor. He was followed by Thomas Mulligan who of that decade. adapted much of the part flute marches for the accor on was At a meeting 19thMarch 1933, it decid dion and set high standards all round. On his retire a a ed to form Band and short time later this decision ment, Paddy Haughey of Newry became band master was carried out. Members of this band included John during the 1960's. Carson, Jim Pat McSherry, Noel Hudson, Harry During the 1960's, the nature of the band began to Con Con Burns, Hugh very, Paddy very, Tommy alter fundamentally with many of the 'old hands' Pat McSherry, Harry Loy, Campbell, Paddy retiring and being replaced by much younger folk, Lennon, Francis Lennon, John and Jim McSherry. Sean McAleenan and Phil Watters were Band of The Band Master was Denny McAneney Masters and under them the Band became a A feature of the musical scene at this time was Newry. "Youth Band". the drumming of Jimmy Lennon and Paddy McSherry However the band ceased to function in 1988, on the two 'Lambegs' named Patrick Sarsfield and but will no doubt be re-formed again at some time in the Bard of Armagh referred to earlier the future. -. M-&. ft a4wl J^tok jBbV __Wk ?fc ?, ^^T *" k *.?BM#B^ STI WfM ^^ *jBBMJBBfe 'fiV ?sMir*^* B* **J* ^^fSSL . jVS^^4B^^BBBBLlaBKBBBisBBW.dBB#BBBIiJBB\ ^BBBbraBM*JBfe<*aV*. 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ST. PATRICK'S ACCORDION BAND 1982 Back row (1. to r.): Bronagh Monaghan, Kathryn O'Loughlin, Pauline Watters, Margaret Watters, Rosemary McSherry, Pauline McSherry, Deirdre McSherry, Pauline Monaghan, Anne Cloughley, Dympna Savage. Middle row: Phil Watters (Bandmaster), Francis Savage, Brian Watters, Frank Lennon, Eimear Canavan, Terry Cloughley, Siobhan Smyth, Danven Lennon. Cathal Canavan, Kevin Watters, Patricia Lennon, Declan Canavan, Anthony O'Loughlin. Front row: Bernadette Watters, Una Watters, Miceal Canavan. Jim Watters, Andrew Watters, Martin McCamley, Darren Quinn, Anne-Marie Canavan. and Poyntzpass District Local History Society_13 DRUMBANAGHER ACCORDIAN BAND POYNTZPASS PRESBYTERIANCHURCH Instrumental music was introduced in 1923 with the Drumbanagher Accordian Band was formed in the of an American The first was 1950's and is associated with the local Orange Lodge. purchase organ. organist Mrs. David Clarke who served for ten assisted This band has an enthusiastic group of musicians who years Mrs. Martha The second was Mr. organise their own parade in Poyntzpass and attend by Lyttle. organist W. Waddell and she was followed in 1947 Miss Orange Demonstrations and church services throughout by Florrie the year. Their interest and dedication has resulted in Loughlin. Through the efforts and encourage ment of the Rev. the choirs of their continued existence where many other bands have McCausland, Poynt and Fourtowns to combine for come and gone. zpass began special services and this co-operation has continued. POYNTZPASS CROWN DEFENDERS Mr. R.A. Boyd was ordained on 18th June, 1953 same FLUTE BAND about the time the present organist Mrs. R.J. was was Johnston appointed. A new electric organ pur chased in 1969. Poyntzpass Crown Defenders Flute Band was form ed in October, 1982. A dedication service was held POYNTZPASS R.C. CHURCH in Poyntzpass on Friday 27th May, 1983 an they held their first parade in the village which attracted 16 Over the there have been dedicated visiting bands including one from Co. Monaghan. years many this band for a few organists in the local catholic church. Some of those Unfortunately played only years - who have their services include Mrs. before disbanding. However it highlighted the wealth given Ryder, who in the local Sarah Sheila of musical talent available in the area having over 40 taught school, Rafferty, Pat and more members at its formation. During its time it is in Canavan, Burns, Nan Canavan recently Ann and sisters and Aveen teresting to note that with Poyntzpass Silver Band, Cloughley Clodagh Drumbanagher and St. Patrick's Accordion bands all Anderson. A new electric was in the playing in the local area there were more than 140 band organ purchased early musicians. 1970's and under the direction of choirmaster, Joe Cloughley the choir has achieved a high standard in CHURCHMUSIC recent years. area an DRUMBANAGHER PARISH CHURCH The churches in the have also made impor tant contribution to themusical appreciation of the local In 1886 the in the minute community through their church services, choirs and following entry appears book of Parish Church: organ music and other social events. ' Drumbanagher 'An has been erected in the Church since the An article in the Newry Reporter, April 1938, organ last of the and was used for the first reported... meeting Vestry, time at Divine Services on Xmas 1885. It was "A service of song was held at Poyntzpass Day, built Wadsworth of Oxford Manchester and Presbyterian Church on Friday, 1st April 1938. The by Street, consists of one hundred two two united choirs of Poyntzpass and Scarva Presbyterian pipes, manuals, stops and The of the instrument is Churches, conducted by Rev, D. McCausland B.A. pedals. appearance good and the tone sweet/' presented "Paul, the Little Mediator" (illustrated by This was transferred to Church in lantern slides) with Miss F. Loughlin at the organ. The organ Loughgilly was when Miss Grace Close, and Miss Alice Close narrative read by Mr. J. Coulter, Cremore Manse, 1899, donated a new to built Telford Poyntzpass. organ Drumbanagher by "At the conclusion Rev. D. McCausland B.A. and Telford, Dublin. were thanked the choirs, Mr. Coulter, Mr. Cavan Small for The first organists the school-master or mistress to of the local school as this was of their The manipulating the lantern, and all who contributed part job. " last one was Mrs. John Lockhart who was school the success of the evening. mistress for "TTje members of the choirs were afterwards enter Jerrettspass Primary School (now The tained to tea at the Manse by Mr. and Mrs. demolished). present organist is Miss Lily McCombe." Moorehead who was recently honoured for over 40 years service. Poyntzpass and District Local History Society_ 15 ACTON PARISH CHURCH I Do? If I don't let them in, they'll cause a riot in the street." Peter told him to let them in provided they had their own to The original organ was an American organ. This was military police with them keep the As a result the was a success replaced in 1932 by a pipe organ which greatly added peace. night complete because the would have the local to the brightness of the services. Some of the organists troops fought with outside in the street the not included Mrs. Kezia Sarah Judge, Mr. Robert Harvey, police had military police local school-master, Mrs. Johnny Little and more been present. recently Mr. William Morton. The present organist is Miss Barbara Best. POYNTZPASS ORANGE HALL DANCES Dances and socials were held in the Orange Hall in were a Poyntzpass. "Box socials" popular event. The ladies would arrive with their box of At one time in the Poyntzpass area dances were the young 'eats' and these were then auctioned off to the men before big social event of the week and took place in any hall young the commenced. Tea would then be or any building that had a half decent wooden floor. dancing supplied during the interval. TOM PORTER'S LOFT A dance report in the Newry Reporter, December 31st, 1932 describes a ' typical evening: 'A successful dance was held in the Peter Murtagh recalls the dances in the 1930's in very Orange on Tom Porter's loft. At that time, he and Artie O'Hare Hall, Poyntzpass, Monday night when there was ? a from the town and had formed a group This consisted of Peter on drums large gathering district. The music were was Messrs W. S. accompanying Artie on accordion. The dances excellently supplied by Crothers, run were an en Shanks and J. McCracken and Mr. Samuel usually by the Farmer's Union and (Scarva) made a most M. C. was tirely mixed gathering. Peter remarked that none of English capable Dancing kept with zest the and not until well on in the dances ever resulted in fights due to the good nature up during night the did the Tea and of the crowd. Tea and sandwiches were supplied at the morning participants disperse. light were at dance and this was all included in the price of 2/-. refreshments partaken of intervals, and the function was voted one of the best that There was always as much food as you could eat and unanimously a was usually supplied by Mrs. Joe Ferris and other has been organised for considerable time.'' ladies. Harry Revels usually acted as M.C. for the night. DRUMBANAGHER CASTLE NEWRY HARRIERS' HUNT BALL JERRETTSPASSSCHOOLHOUSE The Newry Harriers' Hunt Ball was the social event was a Dances were also held in the schoolhouse in Jerrett of the year, "the place to be and be seen." It for the from all over spass and people would come from miles around. On rendezvous hunting fraternity Guests came not from and these occasions Peter would sometimes receive help Ireland. only Belfast, Newry the but from Dublin, Kildare and from a couple of Newry musicians. intervening country other centres in the South. It was held in the The standard pay for a nights drumming from 9am hunting - then of own 12 pm was 5/-. magnificent setting Drumbanagher Castle, ed by the Close Family, set in beautiful gardens with a ST. COLMAN'S HALL, NEWRY the Mourne mountains as background. The ballroom itself was in fact a large corridor of Italian architec ture with a cut in floral The walls During the war one of Peter's venues was the old high ceiling squares. were in with chandeliers and mirrors St. Colman's Hall in Newry where he played as a pastel cut-glass or reflect the drummer for the A.R.P. Normally, troops stationed light. An article in the dated December around Newry were not permitted to these dances (par "Newry Reporter" 1933 advertised the ball which was to be held ticularly the Americans) due mainly to their reputa 28th, the The music was tion for trouble. However, one following evening. supplied on that causing particular night, ' - occasion 'Sibbald and his John Murphy, who normally organised these dances, by Treacy Rhythm Kings Radio and came to Peter in desperation. A large contingent of (the favourites)" special performances of dances had been Americans had arrived offering cigarettes, chocolates arranged. Unfortunately Drum Castle was demolished in 1951. Thereafter etc. hoping to gain admission. He asked Peter "What'll banagher the event was held elsewhere. and 16 _Poyntzpass District Local History Society DANCE BANDS violin which usually hung on the wall. Many of the local musicians would have played in various houses The of dances in the local area in the around the area where would have had a popularity they' "drop" 1940's led to the formation of many local dance bands. of supper and a night's 'crack''. These were the peo One of the most famous was Fred Hanna and his ple who promoted the love of music among the com Modernairs Orchestra. Fred was brought up in Poynt munity and helped to cement friendships that endured zpass and itwas his great playing ability on the accor for years. Many a night they would have played into dion which led to this notable dance band combination. the early hours of the morning, arriving home at dawn. They played all over the country and one of their Their music was wide and varied and ranged from local venues included, the Royal British Legion Hall traditional to the familiar songs and tunes of the day. in Poyntzpass where many socials and dances were Some of the noted violinists in the Jerrettspass area in held. He is still active today playing his accordion at the 1930's included Pat Joe McEvoy, James Savage, various venues throughout the country. Johnny O'Hare, Stanley Irwin and Alex Irwin, with Some of the more recent local musicians associated Alex's uncle Tom Irwin being one of the best. In the with dance bands include Phil Watters who played ac Poyntzpass area violinists included Paddy McSherry, cordion with the "Double Tops," Jackie Heurst ac James Kelso and Pat John Lynch who always liked to companied by George O'Hare on accordion and Terry finish off with his rendition of "The Swanee River." Murray who sang and played the mouth-organ for Bill Harvey was another good violinist in the 1940's. various groups. Some of the good flautists in the area included Fred Denny from Taniokey and Pat Bagnall from DOORSTEPMUSICANS Goraghwood. Billy Crothers was a noted mandolin player. One of the important features of country life in this This love of music continues to flourish and the hills area was themusic played in the homes at night. There around the Pass, to the present day, are still' 'alive with were few houses that had not some form of musical the sound of music." instrument but the most popular would have been a ' = :- p'SH:':[/ ; VW*?^*?*:^:" :- = - :>.:-W ::. - . i.:::.:#:: Freddie Hanna, 1949. Poyntzpass and District Local History Society_17 *&? ' ^^ ^______t fr ? \______\______m ^JbbbbbbbbbbI j|1^i^^^^^^^^B^^1W"^^^Hki9^^^^^^1^B^iP BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBm.IK ^LbBBBBBBBBBBBB SbIb^^^BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBbP'^BBB^^^^'^^BBBBBBBBBBBHBBB^BM ^^^^^^^Hk $?0^^^m& JB^^^^Hb^^^H ^^BVll^BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBr^^^^^^^^BBBBbHbBBBBB& *&#" ______W sESbxmBBBBBBBBb aB^BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB^B^^^BB^^^S^^^^^^^BBBBBBBBBBBBBBKaM ^^^^^BBP^^ & s^i^B^bk ^HbBBBBBBBBBBBBBBb!^S^BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBHBSiBBBVfii^^ ^^^^^^^||HHH|||^^fl^^^^^^H Mrs- KathleenWhite. George White, Tenor and local Stationmaster. GEORGE AND KATHLEENWHITE NO account of music and musicians in this area 1930, and in these formative years of this choir, he would be complete without mention of Mr. and Mrs. passed on to them much of his enthusiasm and artistry White. The following gives an idea of their stature. in music. a "Poyntzpass possessed for almost half cen "As the leading professional tenor in St. - tury amongst its residents Mr. George H. White and Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh, he was ? his wife Kathleen. They laid the stamp of their kept busy maintaining his place in the choir, 11miles on delightful music gifts this part of County Armagh, away, carrying out his duties at the G.N.R. station and as as across and indeed into many parts of Down, well training singing pupils, while his wife taught pianoforte the Border to Dublin and Dundalk and Drogheda. pupils, as well as travelling once a week to Drogheda, "Miss Eileen Ledlie, of Loughbnckland, was where she was organist of the Church of Ireland one of Mr. White's pupils. Under his guidance and Cathedral. with his encouragement she entered for the Belfast "George White had a tenor voice of delighful Musical Feis and accompanied by Mrs. Kathleen White quality. Indeed he was a gold medalist inDublin's Feis was awarded the Gold Medal in the Contralto Class. Ceoil. At one time when he was no longer young, he was Following this success she awarded a Scholarship took the tenor part at Newry in Handel's 'Messiah,' to the London Royal Academy of Music from which filling in at very short notice, for which performance on she graduated and went to perform in London and he was given a standing ovation by the audience. Old Dublin, Belfast and elsewhere. programmes of 1912 and earlier show how he ran "Mr. White combined with his professional wonderful musical shows in Newry, conducting or on gifts the post of Stationmaster this busy Belfast chestras, chorus etc., with his wife accompanying. Dublin line. On the musical side he conducted for a "He had many musical friends in all walks of time Portadown Male Voice Choir around 1929 and life and counted amongst his personal friends the late 18_Poyntzpass and District Local History Society of Conductor the Terry Ruddy Newry, of celebrated "Mr. White, in his teaching, often called on his band who took the at Newry Championship Tailteann wife as 'Adjudicator' just before a musical festival, to and in as games championships England well. sit in judgement on a singer. They were truly a wonder ful musical pair." ._. W1GM0RE HALL SET" NOV. 7th, at 8.30 !^^ EILEEN l|^ - Pianoforte DORA MILNER - - TICKETS 'mdu.i^usj Reserved 8/6 & 5/9; Unreserved 3/- IW-: gay from Office.Wi;m<>re Hall (MavfeirMfe), UsualAgtots, and M Of leyGrand ?S?9j3l Miss I. M. Harvey's Concert Direction, 56 Manchester Street,W.l ' 'Telephone:Mayfair 4Mt\ RftTlH ^W [For Programme ace over. Eileen Ledlie at Wigmore Hall. Poyntzpass and District Local History Society_19 * - - 1 I ) *X WILL BB GIVEN ?r-c A.BOVB SOCIETY,^ FIRST BATUFBUrMB 1 ?N 1 """ ? ? *"- ' I ._.e?l-*???* " \ & v t is t t a M*?-?" rionHi.f-?^cl?'la,,rf; *yarttotu: n. *,?*<>!> ft it oil e I?enar Rathfriland Choral Society.