St. Nicholas Brass Band
was formed in 1914 and is a traditional British-style brass band based in the heart of Cork city. With over 100 years of tradition the band has a proud place in the community.
Band Origins
In the Church of Ireland parish of St. Nicholas in Cove street there was a youth group known as the Church Lads Brigade and a part of this brigade was a bugle band. In 1914 The parish curate Rev. MacManaway, thought it would be a good idea to have a proper full brass band and sent a request to the army authorities at Victoria Barracks (now called Collins Barracks) for some second hand instruments. His request was granted and St. Nicholas Brass Band was born.
The band has over the years entered a number of competitions and at times with great success having twice won the intermediate section at the South of Ireland Brass Band Championships and the Hawkes Shield and Moore Cup at the Feis Mathew. In April 2015
the National Band Championships were held in Cork School of Music and we were thrilled to win the intermediate section.
While the band has reasonably good strength today we are always on the lookout for recruits. New players are always welcome and we would particularly like to hear from anyone who played a brass instrument in the past, no matter how long ago. If you would like a refresher course or fun playing popular music at weekly practice you will be most welcome. The band performs regularly throughout the year at indoor and outdoor venues. Lack of an instrument is not a problem as the band have a number for loaning to members.
Rehearsals are held Mondays 8pm – 10pm in the hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at the junction of McCurtain Street and Summer hill South. Access is via York Street and Little William Street.
We are always trying to add to the history of the band so if you have any interesting facts, stories or photos we would be delighted to hear from you at stnicholasbrassband@gmail.com