IN THE BEGINNING

On Monday 9th Sept. 1952 a number of people gathered in Dorrian’s Hotel, Ballyshannon.

They were there at the request of John Stephens who wished to discuss the possible formation of a Musical Society in the town. An ardent music lover, he convinced the group that a cultural organisation devoted to music should be established. The following committee were elected and Ballyshannon Musical Society came into being.

• PRESIDENT : Fr. P. J. Young, C.C.
• SECRETARY : John Stephens
• TREASURER : Anne O Doherty
• COMMITTEE; Mrs. T. Swan, Miss E. Kelly, A.T.C.L. Mrs. Elizabeth M.L. Dundas, Mrs. P. Comerford, Rev. J. H. Kermode, J.C. Kearon, Cecil A. Stephens, C. A. King, P. McLaughlin.

MUSICAL TRADITION IN BALLYSHANNON

Ballyshannon’s musical tradition dates back to the early part of the century, as Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band was formed in 1906 and is the oldest cultural organisation in the town. Ballyshannon Amateur Orchestra dates back to 1910 when four people, two violins, a flute and piano had the temerity to give themselves a name. This continued for seven or eight years, but the coming of the first world war upset things for a while, until Sr. Magdalen with her School of Music made it blossom forth once more. St.. Patrick’s Church also had an excellent mixed voice choir at this time, and under it’s conductor Patrick J. Stephens (father of Brian) won the gold medal at Feis Doire Cholmeille in 1923.