Lee hits historic note at Croker

A NORTHSIDE teenager made history when he debuted as Drum Major for the Artane Band at Croke Park.

Before Dublin’s All-Ireland football quarter-final against Fermanagh, Lee McCormack led out the world famous band, now known as the Artane School of Music, onto the pitch.

Lee (16) followed in the footsteps of his father, Vincent, who was a Drum Major from 1989 to 1992.

It was the first time in the band’s 143-year history that a father and son have led the Artane band around Croke Park.

Vincent is still a member of the Artane Senior Band, where he plays drums/percussion, while Lee’s younger brother Ross (8) is also in the Artane School of Music where he is learning to play tuba.

Vincent, from Artane, who joined the band in 1983, said it was a very proud day for his family and a great day in the band’s history.

“The GAA announced it all over the stadium,” he said.

“It was a great honour for Lee and he was thrilled. He worked very hard and put in a lot of training.

“The Drum Major has the responsibility to lead the band and a lot of preparation goes into it.
“Timing is everything and as Drum Major you have to be conscious of the likes of TV scheduling, and when the players are coming out onto the pitch.”

Lee, a student at St David’s CBS, has been in the band for seven years, where he is also a trumpet player. It was a day he will treasure forever.