Drumderg Loyalist Flute Band, from the South Armagh border town of Keady, was formed before the First World War in the early 1900's by the members of Drumderg LOL 1236. It broke up during the War but reformed after. Known simply as Drumderg Flute Band, it was mainly made up of Lodge members but also had a few female members. The membership of the band at that time stood at approximately eight fluters and two drummers, a stark contrast to today's membership of thirty-five fluters and 20 drummers. The current membership of the band stands at over seventy members with a further 20 members in the ranks of their junior band Drumderg Young Defenders

Drumderg, in the early years, practised in Acheson's House on Drumderg Hill where the local Orange Lodge held its monthly meetings. In 1954, band practice moved to the newly built Drumderg Orange Hall on the Crossmore Road on the outskirts of Keady town. The new hall was an encouraging development in the area and helped to attract more young people into the ranks of the band who were tutored by a Mr. Smith. However in the early years, up until 1970, the band remained a Twelfth of July band wearing a uniform of white shirts with black trousers.

As the years progressed, a new image was sought and the band upgraded their uniforms and wore blue jumpers with a red stripe, along with black trousers and a blue hat. The late 70 and early 80’s saw Drumderg with a large membership of about 30 fluters and 6 drummers. Numerous uniform changes have taken place since, from the distinctive sky blue and orange tunics worn in the late 1980’s to the distinctive and eye catching red Hussar style blazer with the New York Fire Service replica peaked caps which is the current uniform.

The band changed its name in an around the late 70’s and early 80’s to Drumderg Loyalists. This name change coincided with the heightened tension due to the troubles, not only in South Armagh but across the province and led to a section of the town land identifying themselves as pro-unionist and Loyal subjects to the Crown. Therefore the name Loyalists was incorporated in the band’s name to promote this view. In the backdrop of these troubled times and specifically in 19887/88, the band struggled to exist, finding it difficult to attract young members to an area where real fear existed. This was the band at its lowest ebb and it almost went off the road. Fortunately, some dedicated members vowed to carry on. and were rewarded for their endeavour and dedication to maintain a band at Drumderg, The band paraded in Newtownhamilton with ten flutes and four drums the following year.In 1989/90, new flutes, drums and uniforms were purchased, which represented a new era for the band. With a vibrant marching band scene prevalent in the district, coupled with healthy competition from fellow bands in the area, this in turn led to a general improvement in all bands, who along with Drumderg strived to be better. At this juncture, Drumderg formed a new committee to try and retain and attract membership and organise fund raising events. One such event is the Annual Parade, which is held on the third friday of June each year. The parade and competition has been rerouted several times, with the parade route now only a 3/4 mile walk along Crossmore Road, a country road outside the town boundaries. A primary aim of the band is to maintain that route indefinitely even though Keady is a 99% nationalist town.

Drumderg who attend all the major parades and competitions across the Province are a Blood and Thunder band with a difference. Playing wise, they have a very innovative playing style along with a unique sound and originality in their tune selection The band’s competent flute, bass and drumcorps sections have been highly acclaimed across Ulster and Scotland. You tube success has seen the band collect over 50,000 views on their rendition of the Last of the Mohicans, performed in Market Street Armagh at a local parade in 2006. Further to this, the band participates in many competitions. 1990 – 2010 has represented the band’s most successful period and at the 12th July 2006 in Portadown, the band was voted the best band on parade. In recent years, the band has been awarded the best blood thunder band and best drumcorps at the Killcluney parade in Markethill, the largest parade and competition in the province. In Scotland 1999, the band won the Style and Appearance section in a competition which was run over a 3 month duration. These, along with many other awards, are amongst the band’s major honours through the years.

Drumderg also attend all the major demonstration days across the Province during the marching season. This includes the Junior Orange day in Bangor, the Twelfth and Thirteenth of July, the Apprentice Boys parade' in Londonderry and the Co. Down Black Saturday. However walking with our own Lodge in the County Armagh Twelfth demonstration still remains as one of the highlights of the marching season, A further highlight was leading the Co Armagh 12th demonstration in Markethill. Further to this,two Cd’s of the band’s music have also been produced in recent years. The inaugural CD, South Armagh Militia, was released in 2002 and sold over 3000 copies. The follow up CD entitled “At the border’s edge” remains a hit with all blood and thunder band enthusiasts across the UK.

Drumderg's vision for the future is to maintain its discipline and values and to further promote and foster the Ulster Scots tradition of flute bands in the South Armagh area Drumderg practise every Monday night and are currently learning new tunes for the 2011 marching season. The band is always seeking new members for both its senior and junior bands. Drumderg Young Defenders are seeking young lads from the age of 8 – 16 to learn the flute. Those interested should text or phone 07724945901 or contact any band member. The band will arrange suitable practice sessions for those who are interested and will endeavour to organise transport if necessary.

Meantime the band is going from strength to strength and will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2013. This position of strength is accredited to the dedication and commitments of its current members and the grateful support and encouragement from the band’s supporters.