CASTLEDERG YOUNG LOYALISTS

Thirty years in Uniform

 

 

 

 

The 30^th Anniversary Dinner took place on Saturday 27^th October 2007 at the Silver Birches Hotel Omagh

 

After the meal Trevor Donnell Band Master welcomed everyone for attending and for their continuing support for the band, Trevor thanked the current band for the support they give him, Trevor went on to thank our Scottish friends in Cumbernauld and Cumbuslang for their friendship and support through the years. Trevor had a special word of thanks for Davy Doonan for his hard work on the band CD/DVD, to Flora Magee for her efforts in gaining a recent grant for the band and Bridgetown LOL379 for their support for the last thirty years before calling on Tommy Robb Deputy Master to say a few words

 

After the traditional yarn Tommy Praised the band on their 30 year achievement, and talked of the proud association with Bridgetown LOL379 down through the years, Trevor thanked him for his comments and called on Kenny Porter from Omagh Protestant Boys to say a few words

 

 Kenny spoke of the long association between the two bands dating back to 1977 when they were asked by a very determine Derek Hussey to help with the formation of our band by giving there time to teach the drum and flute, something they were happy to do and so the association began this was reflected by the number of Omagh Protestant Boys in attendance, before handing over to Derek Hussey Kenny Commended Trevor and all members on their Dedication, Discipline and style of music that has made them so highly thought of through out the land and beyond

 

Derek Hussey original Band Master spoke firstly of the achievements of the current band, their style of music and decorum made them second to nobody, he went on to talk of his time as Band Master with the “CYL Old Boys” and how they were made to feel very welcome anywhere they paraded he recalled how the sound of cheering crowds brought back memories of coming over Castlederg Bridge on the dedication parade to a packed Castlederg Main Street

 

 

 

Derek then presented Trevor with “The Old Boys Perpetual Award” to be presented yearly by the Band Master to the band member or anyone who has made a high contribution to the band. Derek then asked Curly Irwin Assistant Band Master CYL Old Boys to present Trevor with a token of their appreciation for his efforts in reforming the CYL Old Boys

 

 

 

Trevor then introduced the new CD/DVD explaining some of the special features and extras that are included he then called Richard Donnell to play a solo lament from the CD accompanied by Davy Doonan on keyboards titled “Dark Island” As Richard made his way to the stage Trevor explained that this track was Dedicated to the memory of our members Michael Darcy, Norman McKinley and Ian Sproule who were murdered by terrorists

 

 

Richards performance was received in total silence as people reflected on their own memories and ended in a standing ovation

 

Trevor then opened the floor to anyone who wanted to speak

 

Johnny McMahon recalled the summer of 77 begging his father to take him and older brother Stephen (now deceased) to Castlederg to join the new band, how they know nobody but were made very welcome and soon made some great friends Michael Darcy, Davy Sturdy, Sam Gilchrist all no longer with us, he finished with a toast to absent friends

 

Andrew Burnside Praised Trevor for dedication to the band, for his leadership and hard work Andrew then presented Trevor and Wendy with tokens of appreciation from the current band

 

A concert followed lead by the Old Boys and then joined by the current band when both bands played together

 

      

 

Music was provided by Davy Doonan & Samantha Bogle who’s quality sound got the crowd on their feet, Derek Hussey took the stage to sing the original CYL song and Andrew Burnside sang the new CYL song

 

The Royal British Legion By invitation of the band made a collection for the poppy appeal

 

As the evening drew to an end Trevor thanked everyone for attending and making it a night to remember. He then said after some thought he had decided to present The Old Boys Perpetual Award to Tom Burke for his commitment to the band Trevor explained that Tom took his car to every parade and transported the younger band members this was a great comfort to the parents because they were safe when they were with Tom

 

 

 

By the end of the night a few members of the Chipindales turned up to display the past uniforms

 

 

 

The evening ended with the traditional singing of

National Anthem