Glitz, glamour and golden memories as Omagh Protestant Boys Flute Band celebrates 50 years

OMAGH Protestant Boys Flute Band marked its 50th anniversary with a spectacular Golden Gala Ball at the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, celebrating five decades of music, friendship, dedication and community spirit.

Formed in 1976, the band welcomed local dignitaries, members of the loyal orders from across the Province, past and present bandsmen and women, friends and families for the special occasion, exchanging its distinctive Royal Marines-style uniforms for glamorous ball gowns and dinner suits.

Among those welcomed by master of ceremonies Mr Andrews were founding member Norman Crawford and his wife Ina, who now live in Loughgall, County Armagh, and Valerie Thom of the Zacchaeus Project. Messages of congratulations were also received from David Gordon, president of the Coastal Scottish Heritage Society of Savannah, Georgia; Neill F McDonald, past president of the St Andrews Society of the City of Savannah and the Savannah Scottish Games; and the president of the 1st Light Infantry Brigade.

A highlight was the presentation of long-service awards by Mr Crawford, recognising members whose dedication has helped shape the organisation over five decades.

Seven members received Gold Service Medals. Rockie Jordan and Billy Gibson were recognised for 30 years' service, Wendy McNally for 38 years, Jonny McNally for 40 years, and Andy Jeffrey, Ivan McDonald and bandmaster Kenny Porter for an extraordinary 50 years each. Bronze awards recognised 10 to 19 years' service, while Silver awards covered 20 to 29 years.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Porter described the anniversary year as an amazing one, paying tribute to the founding members whose vision and hard work established the band.

He also remembered founding member Ronnie Harkness, who died a few months ago, extending his condolences to Ronnie's wife Hazel, son James, daughter Janet and grandchildren.

“Ronnie was always at the forefront of everything we did back in 1976, from fundraising right down to enlisting members,” he said.

“He had a clear vision for our future, one he continued to take great interest in despite having retired from the band scene many years ago. He will be dearly missed by everyone in the OPB family.”

Reflecting on his own 50-year journey, Mr Porter thanked members, successive tutors, friends and families for helping transform the organisation from what he described as an ordinary “Blood and Thunder Band” into one of the most recognised and respected bands in Ulster and beyond.

The band transitioned to melody music in the mid-1980s and, during the 1990s, modelled itself on the Royal Marines Band Service, adopting its distinctive white pith helmets and introducing stick-lifting.

Mr Porter said the friendships formed over the decades had been just as important as the musical achievements, bringing him into contact with people of all ages and backgrounds.

The band's travels have taken members from the battlefields of the Somme and Flanders to international stages. In 2019, Omagh Protestant Boys became the first flute band from Northern Ireland to represent the Ulster-Scots marching band fraternity at the Sgt Jasper Military Parade and St Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, Georgia.

However, the golden anniversary also provided an opportunity to remember the painful chapters in the band's history.

Mr Porter recalled the murder of young flautist John Roxborough by the IRA on July 13, 1983, when he was just 19, describing it as one of the saddest moments for the band family.

The band was also caught up in the aftermath of the Ballygawley Bus Bomb in 1988, when eight young soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the Light Infantry were murdered by the IRA. Members provided first aid and support to the wounded and dying on the Curr Road.

Mr Porter also remembered young band members who died suddenly in accidents over the years, including a female member who died while returning home from a parade.

“These have been some of the saddest times in the history of the band and for me personally,” he said.

As part of its anniversary celebrations, the band returned to the battlefields for the fourth time this year, performing at the Act of Remembrance Service at the Menin Gate. Founding member Dick Beckett and his brother Stephen, deputy master of Omagh District LOL, laid a wreath on behalf of the band.

Another significant development was the formation of the OPB Past and Present Massed Band at the end of 2025. Former members returned to the ranks alongside younger musicians, some meeting for the first time, and after weeks of rehearsals made their debut at the Red Hand Defenders parade in Newtownstewart in May. They subsequently performed at the Castlederg Young Loyalists' parade.

Remembrance remained central to the gala, with a musical tribute to departed members featuring the slow laments Londonderry Air and Dark Island, conducted by William Hill. Mr Porter assured their families that their loved ones would never be forgotten by the OPB band family.

In recognition of Mr Hill's contribution to raising musical standards, two of the youngest members, Isaac Gibson and Iyla Ferguson, presented him with a new conductor's baton in a handcrafted redwood case made by Amish craftsmen in America. The band's longest-serving drummer, Aaron Jeffrey, presented drum tutor Paul Barrow with a gift acknowledging his work with the drum corps.

Tributes also flowed for Mr Porter, whose exceptional contribution was recognised with a specially commissioned painting of the band by artist and former member Jenny Steele. It was presented by Ivan McDonald and Andrew Jeffrey, whose combined service totals 100 years.

Mr Andrews praised Mr Porter's voluntary service, leadership and dedication over more than five decades, during which he served as both chairperson and bandmaster.

Mr Porter's journey began in September 1976, when he was just 16 and Northern Ireland was in the grip of the Troubles. Starting with rehearsals in a hay barn, his vision and determination helped transform the band into a respected organisation with a permanent home and a strong reputation for musical excellence.

Under his leadership, the band moved to melody music in 1984, welcomed female members and performed at prestigious events at home and abroad. More than 600 people aged between five and 70 have passed through its ranks, with some former members going on to showcase their talents with the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines.

Despite running his own business for more than 40 years, Mr Porter has devoted several evenings each week to the band, often giving even more time during busy periods.

Mr Andrews said his commitment had shaped the lives of hundreds of young people, strengthened cultural identity and helped secure the future of a valued local institution. He also paid tribute to Mr Porter's wife, Amanda, whose encouragement and support had enabled her husband to sustain his voluntary work. Together, they had welcomed generations of members and families, helping foster the band's strong community spirit.

The formal proceedings concluded with the presentation of a Galway Crystal plaque by Samuel Managh, Grand Master of East Tyrone Royal Black Preceptory, and Sir Knights of Brackey RBP 343, recognising the band's role in leading the Preceptory for the past 25 years.

Committee members Andy Jeffrey and Rockie Jordan closed the evening with a vote of thanks and a toast to His Majesty King Charles III.

Fifty years after its formation, Omagh Protestant Boys Flute Band's golden anniversary celebrated not only its musical achievements, but also the generations of members, families and supporters who have sustained its legacy.

From humble beginnings in a hay barn to performances on international stages, the band's story remains one of perseverance, friendship and a shared passion for music, as it looks towards the next chapter in its history.