Silver bands in Fermanagh

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Silver Bands in County Fermanagh

Co Fermanagh, in the south west of Northern Ireland, has a rich history of music, none more so than its long and proud association with silver bands.

Silver bands are also sometimes known as brass bands, the difference being the lacquer that is given to 'silver' instruments makes them sound a tiny bit brighter. Also, in times gone by, 'silver' instruments were that little bit more expensive so there was certain snob appeal in being a silver band.

[edit] Religious Affiliation

To understand the religious affiliation one needs a grasp of the troubles in Northern Ireland. In a nutshell though, the vast majority of bands in the county are unionist in origin with one Roman Catholic affiliated band and one cross-community (though not strictly 'silver')band.

[edit] The Bands in Fermanagh

Ballyreagh are from outside the village of Tempo and play in a dark green uniform.

  • Letterbreen Silver Band

From near Enniskillen, this small friendly band is growing thanks to a massive primary school link-up.

  • Tempo Silver Band
  • St Mary's Silver Band, Tempo

Both these bands are from opposing traditions but both are from the appropriately named village in the east of the county.

  • Maguiresbridge Silver Band

Commonly known as 'The Bridge', they are based in one of the province's oldest villages.

  • Lisnaskea Silver Band

The town band of the county's second largest community. They have existing historical records that date back to 1905, the year the band was founded.

  • Kilskeery Silver Band

Just about inside the county boundary, most of the bandsmen and women come from the nearby village of Trillick which is in Co Tyrone

  • Ballinamallard Silver Band

The band that serves the north of the county and the nearby town of Irvinestown area.

  • Church Hill Silver Band

From the tiny hamlet near Derrygonnelly with a current membership of around 45.

They aren't strictly in Co Fermanagh but about one mile inside the neighbouring county of Co Tyrone in the town of Fivemiletown

Not strictly a silver band but a symphonic wind band. They are the only cross-community band in the county and they meet in Enniskillen.

[edit] Other related information

  • St Michael's Scout Band is a band based through St Michael's Church in Enniskillen. As it is a youth band it is not listed above.
  • Some schools have very proficient silver or concert bands. Portora, St Michael's College and Erne Integrated College all have regular practising bands that meet at least weekly and play beyond the confines of their schools.