Maghery Band’s East Coast USA Tour commenced on Wednesday 13th March visiting New York, New Jersey & Florida. This was the first time the band had performed internationally, having previously never left Ireland, so this was a great opportunity to impress on the international stage.
From the time they left Maghery they were already making an impact, entertaining people waiting for their flights in Dublin Airport and then playing again on their Aer Lingus flight to NYC.
In New York the band performed across three days on the iconic Times Square, on Liberty Island, at Ellis Island Memorial Wall & on 5th Avenue in NYC’s St.Patricks Day parade, to name but a few.
The band lead the NYC Donegal Association and as they paraded up 5th Avenue at 11:35am on Sat 16th March which was televised by NBC
On Sunday the 17th of March the band then travelled to Bayonne, New Jersey where they paraded in their St. Patrick’s Day Parade and performed in their post celebration party. The band impressed the Mayor of Bayonne so much that he proclaimed the 17th of March 2019 as Maghery Band Day.
The recently rebranded Academy also had their Junior & Old Sr Band parading in Meenacross and Dungloe for St.Patrick’s Day on 17th of March.
The band were honoured to be invited to Boston, Brooklyn & Newark parades but due to their busy performance schedule were unable to commit to these on this occasion!
Following their New Jersey visit the band then be travelled to Orlando Florida where they performed and paraded in International Drive, Universal Studios & Magic Kingdom, Disney World.
The band headed back to Maghery on the 26th of March after a trip of two weeks. A statement on their Facebook page said “Thank you to everyone at home and abroad who has followed & supported our senior competitive band throughout our East Coast USA Tour!”
They continued saying “We have been overwhelmed with the support shown towards us leading up to, throughout the tour and since our return on Tuesday evening. Your kind words are so very much appreciated by each and every one of us.
We have experienced an incredible performance journey that has also created the most magical of band memories!”
They concluded “Our tour may now be over but our band year for 2019 has only just begun….”
The band will now begin their preparation for the defence of their Dungloe Easter Competition Title and start the “Drive for Five” in the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil Competition which takes place in August. The Academy also have the privilege of taking part in the Liverpool Tattoo Show this September.