The inaugural meeting of Clonakilty Brass Band (formerly St. Patrick’s Brass Band) was held in O’Donovan’s Hotel, Pearse St. Clonakilty on Thursday 15th April 1982. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Brawney Wycherly, Ring, Clonakilty.  The name St. Patrick’s Brass Band was chosen because a Brass Band of the same name existed in Clonakilty in the early and middle 20th Century. The original band had been formed in 1900s. 

In 1984 St. Patrick’s Brass Band received an invitation from the Brass Band of Musikverein Waldaschaff in Bavaria, Germany to visit and take part in their annual concert. This turned out to be an outstanding success and many friendships developed, which resulted in a number of Irish people securing employment in Germany. This subsequently evolved into the successful twinning of both towns, which continues to prosper to this day. 

In the early nineties the band experienced difficulties in retaining membership and went into decline. Some years later a decision was taken to continue the tradition of the band in the local Community College. This proposition was warmly welcomed by the Principal Mr. Paddy Duggan and supported by County Cork VEC. 

The band was formally re-launched in 1998 and was based at the Community College under the baton of Mr. Gerard Condon, VEC Music Teacher from the County Cork School of Music. The bandroom is now located in the CETB building, Western Road, Clonakilty. Members are classically trained musicians and take musical exam grades yearly. Band membership is drawn from the local community, primary and secondary schools.

A Band Committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Mr. Derry McCarthy, to procure high quality instruments and other necessary items for the Band. Fundraising consists of annual concerts, numerous gigs and various other fundraising activities. 

In December 2010 the band was renamed Clonakilty Brass Band to give it recognition with Clonakilty town, which is steeped in musical history. It also gives the band immediate identity and its players are now instantly recognisable as musical ambassadors from Clonakilty. The following year Clonakilty Brass Band won the intermediate section of the South of Ireland Band Championships and have enjoyed senior band status ever since.