MEMBERS of the City of Limerick Pipe Band were getting in some last minute rehearsals this week before jetting off to the United States in time for St Patrick’s Day.
A total of 25 members from the well-loved local band, who practice in Our Lady Queen of Peace school in Janesboro, will join a delegation from Limerick City and County Council in heading off to Savannah, Georgia, for Ireland’s national holiday.
Last month, the Council signed a Friendship Agreement with the coastal Southern US city, marking the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration and cultural exchange between Limerick and Savannah.
This weekend, councillors and members of the Council executive will be joined on their trip Stateside by the local band with plenty of history of their own.
Formed in 1949 as The Limerick Pipe Band, The City of Limerick Pipe Band, as we know them today, proved a huge hit at last year’s 200th anniversary parade in Savannah.
And after their last-minute rehearsals to be note perfect, they are once again looking forward to flying the flag for the Treaty City this year.
In recent years, the band has restructured its management and governance and has gone from strength to strength in its achievements and membership.
“We travelled to Savannah, Georgia, for their 200th anniversary parade last year, which was mind-blowing, the world’s biggest parade,” band chairman Brian Tuite told the Limerick Post.
“We ourselves were celebrating 75 years in existence, so it made it extra special. After a busy summer competition season, we then travelled to The Festival Interceltique in Lorient, France, as part of a Munster pipe band. That was a fabulous festival to be part of.”
The City of Limerick Pipe Band also performed for Mayor John Moran’s inauguration ceremony.
Brian’s son Niall lead the directly-elected Mayor into St Mary’s Cathedral playing Limerick You’re A Lady on the bagpipes, a tune he adapted himself to pipes.
“On the eighth of March, we will again travel to Savannah for the St Patrick’s Festival, with various events to be attended, such as the Celtic Cross ceremony at Robert Emmett Park and the William Jasper memorial, which is a military memorial event,” Mr Tuite added.
The band have funded their forthcoming trip from a combination of members contributions and fundraising events.
“The general Limerick community has been fantastic and generous any time we have asked. There seems to be a genuine love for pipe bands in this city. We are currently led by our Pipe Major Philip Doran under the tutorage of Christy Bromell, our drum sergeant Kevin O‘Brien and a very strong committee,” Brian says.
The City of Limerick Pipe Band practice every Tuesday night at 7pm in Our Lady Queen of Peace school in Janesboro, a long-time supporter of the band.
“The principal Eamonn O’Connell is always accommodating,” Brian says gratefully.
“We invite any beginners or ex-players to come along. Tutorage is provided free.We also have a GoFundMe for anywho wishes to donate.”
