"Outstanding" performance augers well for 2026: Easter parade update

In perfect weather conditions(!), the Dooagh Pipe Band took to the road yesterday for the now traditional Easter Sunday Parade through the villages of Keel, Pollagh, and Dooagh. Starting at at Achill Cliff House in Keel, known affectionately as JJ's after former piper and Drum Major - and possible owner of the hotel and restaurant - J.J. McNamara, the band marched through the three villages to finish up in Dooagh at Gielty's Bar and Restaurant in a record time of 1hr and 20mins – more than 10 minutes better than the previous best, which was set in mixed conditions in 2017. There had been some debate about the need for capes on the day, but the decision was made at an early stage to go without, which proved a masterstroke as the weather stayed fine, and the obvious benefits of streamlining band members to minimise wind resistance came to the fore.

Dooagh Pipe Band Chairman, David McNamara, expressed delight with proceedings, saying: "This was an outstanding performance, especially coming so early in the St. Patrick's Day 2026 season. I could not be prouder of the band. That the previous record was established with the aid of a force 5 easterly gusting force 6 to 7 highlights the strength of this performance. Admittedly we were slightly down on last year in the first and second sectors, but our Pipe Major, Conall McNamara, working in tandem with Flag Carrier, PJ Gielty, executed the perfect strategy in getting the band performing to the max, and we were able to accelerate down the brae and crush it in the final sector."

Split times:
Sector 1: 31m 20s
Sector 2: 29m 41s
Sector 3: 18m 59s

Additional reporting from DPB Insider

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