The Vol. Sean “Maxi” McIlvenna RFB is a Republican Flute band is one of the best known Republican bands in Scotland.

The band has a wide range of personalities and characters. The membership is from a range of areas throughout the west of Scotland. The band enjoys a wealth of experience from Republican band veterans and enthusiasm from its younger members. As well as providing tuition in the flute and drum the band an invaluable informal education on historical and contemporary Republicanism.

The attendance of the band on parades is vitally important as it’s music connects with the emotions of the grassroots supporters of the movement. The band also raises awareness of Sean McIlvenna’s life as well as commemorating other republican volunteers through music.

Through all the bands Cairde na hEireann can mobilise a support on the street which no other political organisation enjoys.

The band was originally called the “Sons of Ireland RFB” who marched for a few years under the West of Scotland Band Alliance. After the loss of some members the band was left without a name when it travelled to Armagh City in 1999 for the annual Easter commemorations. During this trip the band was approached by Sean McIlvenna’s father who was interested in who the band were and why they had no name. Sean’s father then asked if the band would be interested in marching under the name of Sean McIlvenna. The band duly accepted and had this confirmed by a letter from Sean’s family to the band alliance.

At a meeting of the band alliance the band announced its intention to march under Sean’s name. The band was then met with a derisive response of “Sean who?” from the band alliance. Ten years on thanks to the band there can be no doubt now who Sean McIlvenna is.

In 2003 the band resigned from WOSBA after a few of its members were threatened with expulsion. The band continued to march independently both in Scotland and Ireland. In this period The Maxi attended the Kevin Lynch commemoration in Dungiven and the Pearse Jordan comm. in Belfast. During this time the Republican movement continued to back the band. This was shown by the level of support shown both here and in Ireland by republicans who followed the band.

In 2004 the band joined the newly formed umbrella organisation Cairde na hEireann. This year saw the band become the first Scottish winners of the Fergal Caraher Trophy at Bodenstown. In December of this year the band marked the 20th anniversary of Sean’s death by marching through the village of Blackwaterstown to the spot of Sean’s death. The band later performed at a function in the Pearse Og GAA club in Armagh City.

In 2005 the band was part of the memorable Bloody Sunday commemoration. This was the first time a republican parade had passed through Glasgow city centre. The band came under scrutiny from the Scottish media and police for wearing “Paramilitary style” clothing. The large contingent of disgruntled loyalists/fascists, appalled at our right to march, also singled out individual band members for abuse. In February of 2005 the band won 1st place at the Strabane Martyrs commemoration. Throughout the years the band has also enjoyed a special relationship with the people of Armagh and the close knit community of Bawnmore in North Belfast.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Vol. Sean “Maxi” McIlvenna RFB. The band has many plans to commemorate this event which will be disclosed at later date. Currently the band is as strong as ever, recently participating in a new CD and performing live with the Irish Brigade. The band will continue to march for the cause of a United Ireland despite opposition and rest assured the cries of “Mon the Maxi” will be heard for many years to come.

The members of the band are honoured to be called afer Sean Mcilvenna, and are very greatfull to have got to known pat and all the rest of the Mcilvenna family over the years the support and freindship shown to the band over the years has been fantastic.

The band itself consists of and accepts members irrespective of religious background. Members are like minded individuals who support the struggle for a united Ireland. The aims of the band do not support any form of bigotry, racism or fascism and will not condone acts of sectarianism in any shape or form.

The band is a non-profit making organisation which supports the struggle for a united Ireland participating in parades up and down the country and in Ireland.

The Vol. Sean Mcilvenná R.F.B. is one of the most popular, respectable and sought after republican flute bands with invitations hailing from all over Scotland, England and Ireland to attend functions and events.

How to see the band

Anyone interested in Republicanism can see us play from our events calender we have a list of functions and parades we will be attending, The band at this time don't have a regular bar were you can see us play.

Book the band

If you would like to book the band then you can all you have to do is drop us a line from our contact's page and hopefully we can do your function or parade or whatever it is that you have in mind.

Join The Band

The band is always on the lookout for new members all that we ask is you consider the commitment involved in being part of a Republican Flute Band. Practice is in North Glasgow on Monday nights from 7:30-9:30 for more details contact from our contacts page.