New York Pipe Band Inspired by 2024 Fleadh Set for Belfast Fleadh Debut

A pipe band from New York who travelled to last year’s All-Ireland Fleadh as spectators will this week realise their ambition of performing at Ireland’s biggest traditional music festival.

County Cork Pipes & Drums, representing the Killoran-Clancy-Whelan branch of Comhaltas in New York, are among the four bands entered in Sunday’s All-Ireland Pipe Band competition at Titanic Slipways.

Their visit to Belfast will extend well beyond the competition itself. The band are scheduled to perform on the Fleadh Gig Rig on Saturday morning at 11am while the night before they will take part in a special traditional music session at The Garrick Bar on Friday evening, where local musicians and pipers have been invited to welcome the visitors.

The idea for the trip was sparked by Pipe Major Kevin Healey, who attended the 2024 All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford. Inspired by the atmosphere of the event and the Sunday parade, he returned to New York determined to bring his own band to Ireland.

Healey said he had been surprised that only one pipe band competed in Wexford and wanted to help increase pipe band participation at this year’s Fleadh by organising the trip to Belfast.

County Cork Pipes & Drums will now line up against Clonoe Independent Pipe Band, St Joseph’s Pipe Band, Longstone and Achill Pipe Band in what promises to be one of the highlights of the marching band programme.

The New York band also have the opportunity to make history.

Only one American pipe band has ever won the All-Ireland Pipe Band title. Shannon Rovers Pipe Band from Chicago lifted the trophy in 1982, while later American podium finishes came from Shannon Rovers in 1994 and 1996 and North Coast Pipe Band in 1997.

Away from the competition, the band’s itinerary reflects the friendships the Fleadh continues to foster. Following the championships, they will travel across Ireland and also to Achill Island where they plan to meet members of Achill Pipe Band before continuing their tour of Ireland.

Although disappointed that this year’s Fleadh will not feature the traditional marching band parade, Healey welcomed the fact that four pipe bands will compete in Belfast.

“It’s great there are four pipe bands this year – it makes it more of a shame that the parade is cancelled.”

For many visitors, the Fleadh is about far more than competition. County Cork Pipes & Drums’ week in Belfast will include performances, sessions, new friendships and the chance to experience Irish traditional music at its source.

Their journey from New York is a reminder of the international appeal of the Fleadh and the enduring connections Irish music continues to create across the world.