Milestone for Tipp pipe band

A 60th anniversary celebration

To celebrate their 60th birthday, the Thomas McDonagh Pipe Band made a welcome return to Scotland, writes Patricia Moloughney, who here gives us a flavour of the trip:

It was a little over a week ago now that the Templemore Thomas McDonagh Pipe Band set sail for Scotland, thanks to the organisation skills of Brid Barry and Martin Fogarty and the incredible service of Aidan Johnston, Coach Hire, who safely brought the group of 53 there and back again, over land and sea.

A lost pigeon was also transported by Aidan and reunited with its owner, thanks to Ger Roche. The bird was rechristened ‘Tipperary Mary’ in recognition.

This was an immense journey of music, friendship and long-standing kinship for the band, their first big tour since Covid.

Edinburgh was the first port of call for the magnificent evening event known as The Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. It is hard to put into words what it is like to see 900 performers piping and drumming in this hallowed space. Suffice to say it is understandable why this was Joe Barry's 32nd tour of duty here. What a spectacle and what a place!

GLASGOW

The following day in Glasgow at the World Pipe and Drum Championships was no less impressive. At the lovely setting of Glasgow Green by the People's Palace, 150 pipe bands from around the world congregated and performed to a vertiginous level of skill, much to the pleasure of all visitors present.

Sunday saw some of the group journey to Dundee, where special homage was made to a dear family member at the beautiful cemetery there. Joe Barry piped a lament for his aunt Lena and uncle-in-law George Orme. Lena originally hailed from Barrack Street in Templemore. Joe was joined then by Cillian Roche as they played the new Thomas McDonagh March, penned by Cillian himself to honour this year's 60th anniversary of the band. The flower bouquet was made of Scottish and Irish grown flowers by Adda Barry.

Finally, before heading for our own Emerald shores once more, there was a final stop in the mighty Robert Burns' village and museum where Tenplemore's own local poet Dan Barry recited some of his lovely poetry outside Burns' home cottage as a tribute to this great Scottish hero.

A marvellous trip for all involved, one to remember and cherish forever - not least for the incredible talent on display each evening by the comhaltas players and singers. Word got out and our hosts at The Chain Runner in Livingston enjoyed the seisúns too - even on their nights off.

A big thank you to the team here who could not have been more accommodating.

Any budding or mature musicians wishing to join in this strong musical tradition in Templemore are welcome to do so by contacting Brid or Joe or the Killea Comhaltas group.

Here's to many more years making music and having the craic.