St. Brigid’s Brass Band,  Blanchardstown

St Brigid’s Brass Band, Blanchardstown was established in 1826 and is believed to be the oldest brass band in the country.  The first rehearsals were held in the long gone Society Rooms which were sited on the same spot as the old Garda Station in Blanchardstown Village.  Misfortune struck in 1903 when the Society Rooms, which contained the musical instruments and papers were burned down.

Following this tragic event, Mr P. Cruise took over the band and held band rehearsals at the Village pump every Sunday morning after Mass  until new premises were found.  A march around the village followed these rehearsals eventually stopping at a local hostelry for refreshments.  Carroll’s Hall and then the local courthouse were used for rehearsals until in 1922 the courthouse was blown up.  Local people subscribed generously to the band and got it back on it’s feet.

The band’s biggest and most prestigious gig was in 1843 when they marched all the way to the Hill of Tara to play at Daniel O’Connell’s gigantic repeal meeting.  In 1925 they played at the wedding of Lady Edina Ainsworth and Hans Wellestey Hamilton, the 2nd Lord Holmpatrick.  Today, St Brigid’s Brass Band is still going strong.