Drum Accordion Band

The Mourne Young Defenders were recently invited to do a concert by the Borders Minority Group who are based at Newbliss, Co Monaghan.

 The Borders Minority Group was set up approximately 8 years ago in order to highlight the needs of the Protestant community resident in the three Irish Republic Counties of Cavan-Monaghan and Leitrim.

The invitation was extended to us by Mr Charlie McAdam the designated Project Officer for the Group. Thursday 10th July 2008 was the chosen date for this unique event.

The Mourne Young Defenders travelled with 8 Drummers, 2 Bass Drummers, Cymbals and 20 Flutes.

Their accompanying Highland Dancers were Jacqueline Hanna, Kelly Forsythe with a special appearance by six year old Katelyn Norman.

The Mourne Young Defenders were welcomed on stage by Mr George McConkey [Past County Grand Master of Cavan and Monaghan]

The Mourne Young produced a complete program under the baton of their Conductor Mr George Ballance with many flute favourites being played such as “Big Bush”, “Yee Ha”, “World in Union” and “Semper Fidelis”.

The Drum Corps performed their new 2008 speciality Drum Salute “Hammer and Tongs” and Drum Link Scots Quarter.

Soloist pieces were performed by Drummer Gareth Chambers who’s rendition of the Johnny Cash “Ring of Fire” classic and the ballad “You Raise Me Up” went down a treat with the audience. His sister Natalie also performed a Soloist Drum piece called “Scottish Drums”.

The whole event came to a close with the audience demanded a encore which was duly provided with the Mourne Young Defenders Drum Corps performing its entertaining specialist Drum Salute “Tattoo” with the audience roaring and clapping their approval.

As Mr McAdam said on the night the Mourne Young Defenders personifies all that is best in the Protestant/Loyalist Marching Band tradition.

From the amount of Mourne’s DVD sales on the night was further evidence as to the crowds' obvious enthusiasm and appreciation of the evening first class entertainment.