The multi award-winning New Ross and District Pipe Band is set to make history at the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford with two prominent performances, including a landmark live television broadcast.
The festivities kick off with a massed pipe band parade on the Quays in Wexford as part of the opening ceremony on Sunday, August 4. This event will be attended by Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D. Higgins. Brian Mac Mahon, a member of New Ross & District and chairman of the Irish Pipe Band Association, has been tasked with organizing the massed pipe band parade. The local FCA New Ross pipe band will join forces with New Ross & District, along with pipers and drummers from counties Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wicklow, Dublin, Cork, Kerry, and Limerick.
The massed band will also feature international participants, including Eamon Gaffney from the Queensland Irish Pipe Band, Monica Gomez from Uruguay, Etienne Baranger from France, and Fergus MacLeod from Scotland. The parade begins at 3:20 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, starting at the Talbot Hotel and proceeding to the main festival stage, where Michael D. Higgins will officially open the event at 4:00 p.m.
The New Ross and District Pipe Band will have a second significant involvement in the Fleadh on Thursday, August 8, when they will perform during a live television broadcast on TG4 at 9:30 p.m. This performance marks a historic first for TG4 and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, as it is the first time a pipe band has been featured in a live broadcast. This special recognition coincides with the band’s 50th anniversary in October.
Speaking to the Irish Independent the band said “It’s a huge honour for the band to be highlighted in this manner to represent their county of Wexford and the pipe band community in Ireland, and it’s an occasion they are greatly looking forward to. The Fleadh programme will broadcast live at 9:30 p.m. on August 8,”.
As the New Ross and District Pipe Band prepares for these significant performances, their participation underscores the rich cultural heritage and musical talent present in Wexford and beyond.