By John Harrington

The Artane Band celebrated their 150th anniversary in The Helix theatre last night with over 200 musicians taking part in a special concert.

Long synonymous with big matches in Croke Park, the relationship began at the Whit Monday games on June 14th in 1886.

The games were held at the North Circular Road grounds, and due to their proximity to the event, the Artane School Band was engaged to entertain the crowd.

Every since then the relationship has grown, and now it’s impossible to imagine an All-Ireland Final without the noise and colour generated by the Artane Band as they parade around the pitch before the game with both teams following behind.

“We're certainly proud to be celebrating 150 years this year,” Artane School of Music Chairman, Dominic Slater, told Ireland AM.

“We were formed in 1872 and in 1886 our association with the GAA started. 

“To march in front of the teams on a parade, not only for the All-Ireland semi-finals and finals, but any time you march in Croke Park is special. 

“When you stand there and play the National Anthem to 80,000 people it's spine-tingling. The highlight for me is any All-Ireland day, you get shivers up your spine.

“When that baton comes down for the drum-roll for the anthem and everyone goes quiet, to be standing on the pitch is incredible and I can only imagine what the players are feeling like because they have to go and play a match.”