'Tremendous and humbling honour' - Massed Band's civic reception
Mayor Seamus Ryan hosted a reception for Waterford City Massed Band in recognition of their 50th cheque presentation to a Waterford charity and their upcoming 20th anniversary. Photo: Joe Evans
The Massed Band of Waterford were honoured at City Hall for their years of dedication to local charities.
For almost two decades, the Massed Band has presented around 50 cheques to local charities.
The Massed Band, made up of brilliant local musical groups including the Barrack Street Concert Band, De La Salle Brass Scout Brass Band and the Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band, were welcomed by Mayor of Waterford City and County Seamus Ryan.
Mayor Ryan said: "In 2006 the first Massed Band Charity Concert was held, marking the official birth of the Waterford City Massed Band. Since then, their spiritual home has been the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly, where many unforgettable performances have taken place.
"From the start, the Massed Band has brought together Waterford’s Concert, Brass, Bagpipe and Flute bands, strengthened by a rhythm and string section, and joined by Waterford’s own world-class singers Donna Roche and David Flynn."
Mayor Ryan continued: "The leadership of Musical Director Mark Fitzgerald of the Barrack Street Concert Band, and the support of Steve Walsh MBE, former Head of Production at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and President of the Massed Bands, has been central to the continued success and recognition these concerts have earned. Steve has travelled to Waterford many times to support the charity concerts, underlining their international standing.
"The efforts of the Barrack Street Concert Band, City of Waterford Brass, De La Salle Scout Pipe Band, and the Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band, along with their singers, musicians and supporters, have created a strong tradition of music in the service of charity. On one occasion, the Massed Band even travelled to St Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny to perform in aid of St Patrick’s Centre for people with specific needs, many of them from Waterford.
"Earlier this year, the Combined Bands performed their 20th Charity Concert, another milestone in this proud tradition. Bringing together so many musicians and supporters is a testament to the generosity and civic pride that drives the Band."
Producer Ger O'Brien gave a moving speech recognising the dedication of all involved and thanking the Council for the 'tremendous and humbling honour.' He said: "I hope everyone here today feels you are part of this journey we started nearly 20 years ago.
"I once read that the function of beauty is to liberate the soul and those feelings we keep locked up in the heart. There's no doubt that everyone here who participated at our mass plans this year fulfilled that function perfectly."
Councillors Donal Barry, Jim Griffin and Joe Kelly were in attendance at the Mayoral reception. Cllr Barry commented on the significance of the Band and paid tribute to those who couldn't be there: "This year we remembered Chris McAuliff and John Houlihan. Two masters of their musical trade and two friends and gentlemen.
"But the true power of this event lies in its generosity of purpose. This year’s concert, like so many before it, was dedicated to raising funds for causes that matter deeply: Special Olympics Ireland here in Waterford, the Irish Red Cross, and 50 Shades of Exceptional.
He added: "These charities embody compassion, dignity, and inclusion – values that are at the heart of civic life. By supporting them, the Massed Band concert proves that music does more than entertain: it uplifts, it sustains, and it heals. This concert is a shining example of how tradition, music, and community service can come together to create something of lasting value.
