Michael Doody honoured for work with City of Waterford Brass

One of the stalwarts of Waterford music was honoured with a Mayoral Reception in City Hall.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Seamus Ryan, received Michael Doody into the Mayor's Parlour on Thursday, December 4, in recognition of him having given 50 unbroken years service to City of Waterford Brass.

In his speech Mayor Ryan noted how Michael joined the band - which was known as St Patrick's Brass Band at the time - in 1975, when he was still in school. 

Those in attendance were told how seeing his friend, John Carey, heading off to band practice in Five Alley Lane inspired Michael to go along too.

"It was the beginning of a long and fulfilling life in the world of banding, culminating on him being recognised for 50 years’ dedication to the band – so far," said Mayor Ryan.

His tutor in 1975 was Michael Quinlan, who himself has an unbroken record of 65 years involvement with the band. He was also in attendance at the ceremony.

"There are not too many voluntary community organisations where members can commit so much of their time and talent to a group such as this," said Mayor Ryan.

"Few organisations can boast of such longevity among its members and it speaks volumes about the culture, camaraderie and character of City of Waterford Brass," he added.

The Mayor outlined the various instruments with which Michael excelled during his time in the band and he also highlighted how he also served as Treasurer of the band for 25 years.

The Mayor also noted the support Michael received over the years from his family, commenting: "Of course, this can not be done with out the support of many others, and Michael is always first to acknowledge the support of his wife Emer, and indeed all his family, in helping him to keep his passion for music alive and well."

"Their support has allowed him, not only to play, but to lead, mentor and keep this tradition alive for future generations," he said.

"Not many people can say they devoted five decades to anything, let alone a voluntary community organisation," he added, before commenting: "Michael has not only done so, but he has also done it with grace, generosity, humour and unbroken loyalty."

The Mayor said the band had enriched the civic and cultural identity of Waterford for generations and marked events such as commemorations and festivals and added "depth and

colour to the rhythm of life in the city".

"Volunteers like Michael carry that tradition forward," he said.

"They remind us that art is not only a performance but a gift handed from one generation to the next, shaped by those who give their time and the simple love of it," he added.

Before closing his address Mayor Ryan also acknowledged John Mernin, who was also in attendance, and said: "His support and stewardship of the band has been a credit to him.

"Community organisations thrive when people step forward with dedication and heart and John has done exactly that."

"My thanks to him for helping ensure that this band continues to flourish," he said.

Then addressing Michael Doody directly, the Mayor said: "Michael, on behalf of the people of Waterford and on my own behalf, I offer you our gratitude and our admiration. Your commitment of over 50 years is an inspiration, not only to musicians, but to anyone who believes in service, community and the power of the arts. May the music continue and may your next chapter in City of Waterford Brass be as fulfilling as the last 50 years have been."

In accepting the honour bestowed on him, Michael thanked the Mayor for his words, commenting: "Thank you for your kind words, I really think I don't deserve it."

"I am absolutely thrilled, delighted and very humbled by the experience," he said. "Thank you to my wonderful wife, Eimear, my two sons, Stephen and Christopher, and my daughter, Robyn, for everything that you've done and continue to do because it allows me to be able to achieve a milestone such as this."

Highlighting the fact that he and his wife were a couple since they were both around 15 years of age, he said: "She has been pretty much through the entire 50 years with me, apart from about four years."

Michael also acknowledged the long service of other members of the band in attendance and in particular made reference to Michael Quinlan's continued involvement with the band.

"It's absolutely fantastic," he said. He also acknowledged the work of the band's MD (Music Director), Julie Quinlan and praised her for the amount of work she does behind the scenes.

"Over the last 50 years I have had the best time and been involved with some wonderful people and thank you very much because you have made this a very special occasion for me and my family," said Michael. Speaking after the ceremony to waterford-news.ie he said his involvement with the band and interest in music effectively started with him.

"I don't really know where my interest in music came from because none of my own family had experience in music," he said.

"None of them were involved in music of any shape or form and my mother and father never really listened to music so where it came from I don't know," he added.

However, he said being involved in the band is something he really loves.

"We played last April in the Massed Band Association, a piece called 'Oh Happy Day', and I love it," he said.

"The bass part in that is meaty and they're not usually, and we played that and in fairness to the band, they played that in honour of me which was absolutely lovely," he added.

"There is another piece that would be a favourite of mine, a piece by Sibelius called, 'Finlandia'," he said.

"We never played it with this band but I did play it with the Mount Sion Silver Band and we won the national championships with it in the early 1970s," he added.

"It's absolutely wonderful to listen to and it kind of gets your blood going."

Outside of his involvement with the band his love of music leans more in a hard rock and heavy metal direction with AC/DC being his favourite band.

"'Thunderstruck' is my ringtone on the phone," he said.

"I love all times of music though, we went to see the Eagles a couple of years ago and it was absolutely brilliant," he added.

"It's one extreme to the other, but it's all great."