Remembering Adam Wilkinson (1945 to 2020) Northern Ireland

by Clyde Johnston


 
The entire Accordion Community throughout all of Ireland, the UK and further afield shall be deeply saddened to learn of the passing (peacefully) of Adam Wilkinson yesterday, Tuesday 1st September 2020 at Antrim Area Hospital and late of 29 Old Antrim Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim. Adam was 75 and is survived by his wife Jennifer and daughters Wendy, Janice and Charis.
 

 
Adam was a Bandsman through and through joining his beloved Killycoogan Accordion Band in the 1950's as a snare drummer before moving onto accordion. He became Musical Director and moulded them into a top class Marching Band as well as transforming them into a Concert and Competition band. As word of his prowess spread he was in great demand by other bands to train them and when he moved on from Killycoogan he enjoyed phenomenal success with, amongst others, St Johns of Drumcree, Vow, County of Antrim, Aughafatten, Lower Ballinderry and, laterly, Glenavy.
 

 
His bands were rarely out of the prizes in the top competitions run by the Northern Ireland Accordion Band League, the Northern Ireland Open Accordion Championships, The Irish Accordion Associations All Ireland Championships, the UK National Accordion Championships and the World Music Festival in Innsbruck Austria. In addition to the numerous UK titles he amassed with various Bands/Orchestras his finest achievements were obtaining 4th place in the Advanced Orchestra Section with the County Antrim Accordion Orchestra, which he founded, and winning First Prize with the St John's Of Drumcree Orchestra in the Intermediate Section at the prestigious World Music Festival in Austria. No other Musical Director from the UK has matched that marvellous achievement.
 

 
Adam was truly a giant in the accordion band scene and at his last appearance at the Northern Ireland International Open Accordion Championships in 2017 he received a richly deserved standing ovation when he was presented with a Special Merit Award in recognition of his great contribution to the accordion movement.
 

 
Adam and I have been friends for over 40 years and it was through him I joined Killycoogan. He also encouraged me to become Secretary of the Accordion Band League and to organise the NI Open Accordion Championships.
 

 
The door to 29 Old Antrim Road was always open, it was like a magnet with the house being packed many's and many's a time. He had a very cheerful and warm personality and always greeted you with a smile. Adam was very observant of human behaviour and had a great turn of phrase in describing people and their characteristics. He was also a Master Storyteller when it came to telling an entertaining yarn.

A Legend has gone from the accordion band scene in Northern Ireland and I shall miss him very much.
 

 
Due to the current restrictions the house and Funeral is private. The Funeral Cortege will leave Alan Francey’s Funeral Church on Friday 4th September at 13.45 proceeding out Toome Road allowing family and friends the opportunity to pay their respects whilst adhering to social distancing for a private family burial in Ballee New Cemetery at 14.00.

Condolences to the Wilkinson family circle at this sad and difficult time.


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