Drums from Benagh Pipe Band donated to Newry and Mourne Museum

A bass and two tenor drums used by Benagh Pipe Band in the 1940s, which were donated to Newry and Mourne Museum, went on display on Friday 29 March.

Benagh Pipe Band, which was affiliated to Mayobridge Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 111, was set up around 1937. The local band frequently played at various events during the 1940s, including sports meetings and was disbanded in 1948.

The drums, which were made by R Hillock in Belfast, originally belonged to a Black Watch band and were re-painted in the colours of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

The new display was marked by an event on Friday 29 March in Newry and Mourne Museum, which was attended by members of the Mayobridge community that donated the drums, as well as the Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Mark Murnin.

Councillor Mark Murnin said, “These drums are a testament to the strong community and cultural life, which has been a feature of the Mayobridge area for generations and we all appreciate that by donating these drums to the Museum, you are making your heritage available for others to enjoy.”

Museum curator, Noreen Cunningham said, “The Museum is delighted to receive these wonderful artefacts. Items of this type are often difficult for museums to obtain and we thank the Mayobridge community for supporting us in this way.”

Newry and Mourne Museum is open to the public seven days a week and admission is free.

For more information phone 028 3031 3178 or visit bagenalscastle.com