Probably  the Oldest Village Brass Band in Ireland.

Location: Preston House

Date:  Sunday June 13th

Time: Part of the ‘Abbeyfest Garden Party’ 6:00 – 11:00pm

Ballyroan Bras Band was formed prior to 1880.  It is recorded that it played at Land League Meetings in Ballyouskill Co. Kilkenny in 1881  and other eviction meetings  in Durrow and Cullohill, Co. Laois.   The Band Master was arrested in Durrow and a bayonet was driven through a bass at one of the meetings.

There is still descendents of the original Brass Band playing in the Band.  The Band has played for three different  Irish Presidents  also at  local festivals and concert occasions.  They have also recorded a concert with Donnacha O’Dooloin in the Community Hall, Ballyroan, Co. Laois which are in  the R.T.E. archives.

Mr. Seamus Hosey, Arts Director in R.T.E., received some of his love for music as a junior member with the Ballyroan Brass Band.