Call to change band’s name leaves sour note

NORTHSIDE public representatives have criticised a controversial call from a Dublin city councillor to rename the Artane Band.

Cllr Mannix Flynn (Ind) brought forward a motion requesting that the Artane Band – now officially called the Artane School of Music – changes its name due to what he believes is the sensitive nature of its links to the St Joseph’s Industrial School, which was based in the area. 

While the band is now best known for its performances at Croke Park before big GAA matches, it was founded in 1870 at the site of the former industrial school in Artane, which Cllr Flynn attended, and where many children suffered from institutional abuse. 

Because of the band’s strong links to the school up until its closure in 1969, Cllr Flynn claimed the name of the band is a constant reminder of the abuses that were carried out at schools such as the one in Artane. 

“For many of us who were in institutions, the Artane Band is a symbol of that trauma and of those years of our lives in institutions,” said Cllr Flynn.

While Cllr Flynn has tabled a motion which could be adopted by Dublin City Council, the Artane School of Music has insisted that it will not be changing its name.

“The Artane Band has a long and proud tradition of inclusive service to the local community from which it draws continuing and active support,” the band said in a statement.  

“We are proud to have the name of that community in the title of our school and on our flagship ensemble.”

A number of local public representatives have echoed the sentiments expressed in the statement and are encouraging their colleagues on Dublin City Council to reject the motion tabled by Cllr Flynn.

Cllr Declan Flanagan (FG), who represents the Beaumont-Donaghmede ward and is a former member of the Artane Band, is among those opposed to Cllr Flynn’s motion.  

“For many people in Ireland and for the Irish diaspora abroad, whenever they watch Gaelic games they are familiar with the Artane Band parading around Croke Park,” Cllr Flanagan told Northside People.

“Myself and my brother Terence (a former TD for Dublin North East) were both members of the Artane Band.

“In all our years there and as public representatives, we never received one request similar to what Cllr Flynn proposes.

“Cllr Flynn’s motion brings negative headlines to a positive news story which is the Artane School of Music, a centre of music education which provides the opportunity for all to learn and play music.”

Cllr Flanagan has called on Cllr Flynn to pay a visit and perhaps put his energy into replicating its success and “set up a marching band in the inner city”.

“The Artane School of Music, from which the Artane Band is drawn, is a community based voluntary organisation which provides the highest level of education in music, leadership and character formation,” he added. 

Dublin Bay North TD Seán Haughey (FF) also called for councillors to vote against Cllr Flynn’s motion.

“Cllr Flynn’s motion is ill-judged and ill-considered,” he said. 

“Artane is a vibrant and proud community with a creative and progressive school of music. Dublin City Councillors must firmly reject this motion.”

The motion is due to be discussed at a meeting of the South East Area Committee of Dublin City Council this Wednesday, September 14.

REPORT: Daniel O’Connor