Marching to our own rythmn 

A very important feature of any band is its appearance and Banna Chluain Meala has always been noted for being splendidly turned out. This is, in no small part, due to the wonderful team who are affectionately known as “The Wardrobe Ladies”.

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The first wardrobe team was led by Mrs. Maura Brett with consultant Mr. Tommy Greene. The flag and emblem were designed by Miss Siobhan Kearney. The initial uniforms were sponsored by Clonmel Junior Chamber. New uniforms were acquired from the USA in 1976 and the now famous blue colour was introduced for the first time. Probably the best-remembered feature of these uniforms was the large busby hats.

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In 1980 another set of uniforms was purchased from the United States and once again our team adapted them to suit the needs of Banna Chluain Meala. At the Limerick International Band Festival in 1980 they were duly acknowledged for their trojan work when the band received the “Best Dressed Band” award. A great honour indeed for the team lead by Mrs. Nancy Kenny.
 

In 1990 a new set of uniforms was purchased in the blue and gold of Tipperary. These uniforms were bright and cheerful and the striking gold plumes were easily identifiable, even from a distance. They were very adaptable with capes and cummerbunds for marching and more formal dicky bows for concerts. Changes were made to uniforms each year to make them more appropriate for different field shows.
 

Our present uniforms are Irish designed with the help of Katherine Kiely and the wardrobe committee. The uniforms were made in Dublin by Eugene Fagan and continue to make a powerful visual impact, wherever Banna Chluain Meala performs. As our membership has grown in recent years so have the demands placed on our Wardrobe team. With members ranging in age from 11 to 18, it is a constant challenge to maintain the very high appearance standards that have been set from the very beginning.
 

A sincere thank you to those involved, past and present.