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The band now known as Kilcluney Volunteers was formed
in 1949 in Kilcluney L.O.L. 132 Orange Hall, one mile from the small town
of Markethill on the fringes of the South Armagh countryside.
Although over the previous century both a pipe and an
accordion band had been based in the hall, Kilcluney Flute Band, as they
were first known, was the first flute band to lead the lodge.
The bands inaugural parade in 1949 was at Knockavannon
which is outside Newtown Hamilton, where their fifteen fluters and four
drummers marched up a country road in black trousers and white shirts.
Over the next two decades the band grew in numbers,
this was despite the fact that like most bands of the time their yearly
outings consisted solely of the Twelfth and Thirteenth of July
celebrations. Many locals can recall the band of this period marching with
upwards of forty fluters.
The first change of uniform came about in the late
1950's when red jumpers and peaked caps were adopted. This sufficed until
the turbulent times of the late 1960's, when the band were among the
pioneers of the style of playing now known as 'blood and thunder'.
This change apparently came about gradually after the
band had attended a parade in Belfast, and was greatly influenced by the
style some local bands there had begun to follow. Along with the musical
change came another change in uniform, red jackets being chosen, and also
a change in name. The band having decided that the name Kilcluney
Protestant Boys better reflected the bands youthful membership.
During the next few years the band became renowned for
their 'exuberant' manner, so much so that friction between older and
younger band members resulted in a major change in band membership in the
early 1970's. It was then that the present name of Kilcluney Volunteers
was taken by the band to show affinity with the Lodge who had originally
taken the name Kilcluney Volunteers as a mark of respect to the original
Ulster Volunteers. Since those days the band has continually gone from
strength to strength.
From the early 1980's the membership has averaged
between fifty-five and sixty-five, and the band has regularly taken part
in between fifty-five and seventy parades each year. Kilcluney has also
attempted to take the tradition of loyalist bands further a field over the
last decade, having attended the Liverpool Twelfth of July celebrations
twice, and with other engagements in Liverpool and Portsmouth.
One of the first Loyalist internet websites was also
established by the band in November 1998. It has continually grown in size
and popularity, and has proven to be a focal point for both former band
members around the world and for individuals eager to learn more about
Loyalist culture. The first months of 2000 saw inquires to the website
from as far a field as Serbia, Ohio, Vancouver and Perth, Australia.
Additionally, the bands commitment to supporting as
many other Loyalist bands as they can, has established their annual parade
as one of the biggest in the Province. Large crowds of spectators and
upwards of sixty bands (eighty-four in 1995) each year, has made the event
a focal point in the calendars of many Loyalists. The year 2000 will see
an added boost to the parade with Garston True Blues Flute Band from
Liverpool leading the procession.
In conclusion, Kilcluney Volunteers Flute Band,
although recognizing the secondary importance of competition parades,
pride themselves on their marching, discipline and musical ability, and
accept that it is these same competitions that have contributed to the
development of the high standards of the band. However currently our
parading tradition is being attacked at all sides and we believe that to
deflect these attacks bands must show some form of unity. If possible
Kilcluney Volunteers will support any loyalist band, irrespective of petty
rivalries. |
