Clogher Protestant Boys parade - 01/08/09

The weather once again threatened to ruin a good parade, but thankfully it failed to happen. Over 60 bands attended tonight, a great turnout by any standards. Bands travelled from all over. Dunamoney, Pride of the Maine, Gertrude Star, Pride of the Shore, Lagan Valley, Lambeg Orange and Blue all up tonight for what was a great parade all round.

The parade started on the Banbridge side of the town and made its way through the small village. Large crowds as always lined the route and i am glad to report i didnt see any big fuss tonight regarding drink (BBB). Great for familys and encouraging all round.

The usual blow out section of the parade always causes a bit of talk, good or bad. Again no big fuss or bother and i am sure everyone and every band done their best and played their part.

I caught a glimpse of the Flutes and Drums from Donaghadee on parade, great to see. As i said all bands played to a high standard tonight. The weather helped with this. The volume and noise rattled around the village and before you knew it, it was all over for another year.

Below are a selection of photographs of the band in action.

Colour Party Drum corp Bass drum


Here is clips of the band in action.
CLIP 1 - CLIP 2 - CLIP 3 - CLIP 4 - CLIP 5

Tonight the band was awarded the following:
1st Blood and Thunder
2nd Bass drum
3rd B&T Drum corp
2nd Style and appearance
3rd Best overall


Tonight we paraded with 5 of a colour party, 17 drummers, 2 bass drummers, 29 flautists and marshalls, a steady turnout tonight. What can i say about our performance. In my opinion it was the best we have played all year. Just got stronger and sharper all night. Drum section was in top form and again young Morty and big Grahamer standing in on the bass drum. Putting on a brilliant show. The flutes tonight going well and we held our own easy enough at the blow out section of the route. On the down side we busted a bass drum skin in the middle of the village, once repaired it was back to where we took of without a lot of fuss or bother.

Tonight we recieved our 3rd Blood and Thunder in a week, so tonight ended a great weekend for the band trophie wise. Not forgetting every parade is different and weather can make or break and parade. Anyway, good week for us and hopefully all bands who paraded. Thanks to the hosts for the invites.

Well done Clogher Protestant Boys.

John Keenan
East Belfast Protestant Boys Flute Band Chairman

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