‘We have the best supporters’

If you happen to be taking your evening stroll in Templemore on a Thursday evening, you will surely hear the distant drum rolls and the drone calls of the Thomas McDonagh Pipe Band at their weekly practice.

Faithful and loyal to each other, week after week, they meet at St Mary’s Hall to hone their instruments and craft under the caring and guiding eye of Pipe Major Joe Barry, ably accompanied by his talented daughter, Brid Barry-Kennedy, Drum Major.

Coming up to Christmas was an exceptionally busy time as the band rehearsed tirelessly for the many events of the season: the perennial candlelit Carol Service at the Church of the Sacred Heart, the Lighting of the Memorial Tree at Grey’s Funeral Home, the traditional ringing in of the New Year at the Town Hall and of course the Piping Marathon, the band’s one big fundraiser of the year where they enliven the town square with music for hours on end.

The members of the Thomas McDonagh Pipe band want to sincerely thank all the kind supporters who have donated so generously to their band this year and every year. None of it goes unnoticed with every penny going to keep the band on track, and all is most gratefully received. They also want to say a special word of thanks to the families of the pipers and drummers who have been steadfast in their support for the band over the years.

“No doubt about it, we have the best supporters in our community, and we are so glad of it,” says Martin Fogarty, seasoned piper with the band and proud Templemore man.

As the band prepares now with gusto for the St Patrick’s Day shenanigans at home and abroad, they look forward to another year of bringing music to Templemore. They wish to take this occasion to send lots of well wishes to all their supporters, near and far.

They also wish their newest members a good “turning out” at the upcoming parades this year and many happy band years ahead.