The highly rated Cloughaneely Senior Band, Buíon Cheoil Sinsear Chloich Cheann Fhaola, has been granted the honour of marching in the renowned St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City next year. The band will embark on their journey to the Big Apple on Saturday, March 15, and return the following Thursday. This momentous occasion marks a significant chapter in the band’s impressive history.
Laura Barrett, Chairperson of Buíon Cheoil Sinsear Chloich Cheann Fhaola, shared her excitement about the invitation speaking to Donegal Daily she said “We are thrilled and honoured to have been invited to take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City,” she said. “This is a recognition of our dedication to preserving traditional Irish music and culture. We are excited to share our passion with the people of New York and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in such a vibrant and historic setting.”
The Cloughaneely Senior Band joins a rich tradition of Donegal bands performing at the NYC parade. In 2024, St. Catherine’s Band from Killybegs proudly represented the county, and in 2019, the Maghery Fife and Drum Band made their mark at the prestigious event. These performances showcase Donegal’s strong marching band tradition on an international stage, and Cloughaneely’s upcoming participation continues this legacy.
To help make the journey possible, the band is launching a major fundraising campaign. “Running a band involves considerable financial challenges, and we owe our success to the commitment of our members, past committees, and the support of our community over the years,” Ms. Barrett added. “Performing in New York is a fantastic opportunity for us to bring our authentic Irish sound to audiences in the United States and celebrate the spirit of Ireland.”
The Cloughaneely Senior Band was first formed in 2016, sparked by an impromptu reunion to welcome home the junior band after their victory at the Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann. This unexpected gathering brought together past members, reviving their love for marching and performing. The overwhelming enthusiasm led to the reformation of the senior band, with participants from Ireland, the UK, and even Dubai coming together to compete in the senior miscellaneous section at the Fleadh the following year.
Since its reformation, Buíon Cheoil Sinsear Chloich Cheann Fhaola has been a formidable force in the marching band scene, regularly competing and excelling at events like the All-Ireland Fleadh, where they claimed victories in 2017, 2018, and 2023, and were runners-up in 2024.
“Their lively performances and steadfast dedication to preserving Ireland’s musical heritage have earned them a beloved place in the community,” noted Ms. Barrett. She also emphasized the rich history of marching bands in Donegal, particularly in the west, though she lamented the decline of miscellaneous and accordion bands since the late 1990s.
Cloughaneely’s band has been an enduring presence in the area since 1983, making it one of Donegal’s longest-running bands without ever disbanding. Their upcoming performance in New York represents not just a high point in their journey but also a powerful testament to the resilience of Irish musical tradition.
With their participation in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Buíon Cheoil Sinsear Chloich Cheann Fhaola will proudly carry forward the torch for Donegal bands, continuing a tradition of representing their county and country in one of the world’s most celebrated parades.
