The Leader, Aibreán 1989

The Storyof the Keadue Band, 1888-1988 This interesting booklet was re– searched and compiled by Dr. Paddy Ferry. It has been produced to celebrate the band's centenary, to remember and honour the men who founded the band, to honour great achievements of Keadue and to have an accurate account of the first hundred years available when the history of 200 years of the Keadue Band is being written in 2088. The final reason appears to me to tempt the fate of the gods somewhat. This type of work deserves a warm welcome for it records for this and future generations the labours and loves of ordi– nary individuals. The men who made up the core of the Keadue Band are not the source material for the history books. They lived mundane lives on the shore of the Rosses but their contribution to the fabric of the locality should and must be recorded. They are owed a great debt by those who have followed in their foot– steps. To have compiled a valuable social history such as this is evidence ofextreme dedication on the author's part. His list– ing of the players, as many as was possible, is a source ofjoyand satisfaction to their descendants. As the book indi– cates, the Keadue band had its ups and downs, and yet it has lived for a hundred years in an areawhere there was little mu– sical education outside the tuition pro– vided by the Band instructors. It was a delight to read that the early musicians were capable of reading music. It casts aspertions on our education system at present that this art is not com– monly available to children in both pri– mary or post-primary schools. Every child should learn to read music at school. It would appear as if the existence of band competitions is the inspiration for many of the current bands being. This is a pity as the primary function of the band is to provide musical entertainment. Too often, in rural areas, when good will and co-operation should be the theme of life we find energies being devoted to various forms of local competition. It was obvious that the early players were devoted to their craft. The modern player may be as devoted but as an observer it appears to us that much of the current dedication to band music is based on local rivalry. May the band have as glorious a fu– ture as it has had of a past. May the future generations display as fine a sense ofmu– sicianship and may they entertain and de– light people for years to come. The author has worked hard to produce this book and it will be treasured for its vastness of information and clarity of style. There was a minor point at the beginning of the book which niggled us - what is the point of the author telling us at the end of his introduction that he is an honour grad– uate in Dentistry from the National University of Ireland? Perhaps it has a bearing on this book which we failed to observe? John Boyle It's not unknown for the groom to have a black eye on the wedding day - but a bride with a black eye? ...... Bad news .... Ta arthritis ar Tonto·Madadh. H. Frank Chonaill. Caide nronn Leon leis na baloons? THE KEADUE BAND in 1939. Photo: Courtesy of Eddie Boyle, Beach Cottage, Keadue. 7 Dinny on theRailway... I found you article on the West Donegal Railwaymost interesting. It illus– trates the tremendous contribution of the railway to business, commerce and travel in Donegal. The decision to phase out and eventually close down the railway in the mid-1940's can certainly be questioned, particularly now with the benefit of hind– sight. At present, we must be one of the few counties in Ireland without the benefit of a rail line. Nowadays rail travel is be– coming popular again and is being pro– moted as tourist attractions in many areas throughout Europe. I do know of several areas in the country that are contemplat– ing reopening disused lines. I understand that the Mayo Development team have applied to the E.E.C. for funding to study restoration and development of the Clare– morris to Colooney railway line. When one considers the remoteness ofDonegal from other parts oftheRepub– lic, the condition of roads within the county, particularly to the West, the ad– vantages ofa railway line become obvious. Whether it is economically possible and viable to do this requires much research and study. WishingThe Leader everysuccess in the future. DINNY MCGINLEY T.D. [Our thanks to Dinny McGinley, T.D. and Seamus Rodger,s Co. Co. for their com– ments on the Swilly Railway article. Next month perhaps we'd get the views of the other elected representatives.] FOR SALE Remington Portable Typewriter Price £60 also Adana Printing Press Price £40. For details Phone (074) 35348. NOISEAIN Moya F. agus Shaun A Blaithnaid agus Paul D. Marie S. agus Eddie F. Maeve S. agus Packie B. Catherine McK. agus Paul B. Marie agus Teddy Rua Brld McC. agus Michael D. Imelda agus Stick Sheila agus Rocky Margaret agus Jerry Mary Mac agus James