2026 got off to a flying start in Achill Island where the Dooagh Pipe Band kicked off proceedings with the traditional New Year's Eve performance at Gielty's Bar and Restaurant. A record number of attendees were present at midnight when the band performed their traditional set
This New Year's Eve, the Achill pipe band parades are facing a crisis, the likes of which will have never been seen before until the next crisis. Traditionally, each pipe band starts at midnight of New Year's Eve in their own village before marching to Pollagh
The panel of judges for Achill Island's "Best Band on the Island" competition of 2026 was announced earlier today. Featuring experts from bagpiping centres of excellence right across the globe, the panel will convene in a secret location (probably Lourdie's) at the end of
The ongoing saga of just who was the first Keelman to win the Dooagh Pipe Band Founder Members' Cup shows no sign of letting up. Brian Gielty, enthusiastic recipient of the 2025 Founder's Cup, has doubled down on his claim to be the first person from Keel
The Holy Grail, the Loch Ness Monster, the Abominable Snowman, the Tom Owens. Just some examples of myths and legends, the storied histories of which have been told and retold down the years around Stanley ranges and the dying embers of sitting room fires because nobody wanted to go out
Tradition, Talent and Tenacity: An Interview with Leah McNamara Brian Gielty sits down with singer and Scór veteran Leah McNamara to explore her musical roots in Dooagh, her rise through school choirs and competitions, and the unwavering resilience that carried her to All-Ireland success. From sean nós to pub gigs,
A stellar 2025 for bagpiper and purveyor of patisserie perfection, Maeibh McNamamara, continues to get better and better. In a wide-ranging interview with Dooagh Pipe Band's favourite manufacturer of baked goods, DPB on the Ball discusses cakes, cycling, and of course that victory at the 2025 Dooagh Pipe
Additional reporting courtesy of DPB Insider Contrary to the editorial stance of many news outlets, we can reveal what we think is the true story behind the elevation of Pope Francis to the vaults of Heaven. A delegation from the Dooagh Pipe Band led by bass drummer, Tommy English, was
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
Dooagh Pipe Band, winners of Achill Island's 'Best Band on the Island' competition for seven consecutive years, continues to seek new challenges and to break new ground. In an extraordinary general meeting of the committee last night, it was put to the floor that the very
In [insert weather conditions here], the Dooagh Pipe Band took to the road yesterday for the now traditional Easter Sunday Parade through the villages of Keel, Pollagh, and Dooagh. Meeting at 13:30 for a 14:00 start on Sunday 20th April at Achill Cliff House in Keel, known affectionately
Our award-winning investigative journalist, who uncovered the performance-enhancing drug programme run by Dooagh Pipe Band, has broken another exclusive. It seems that Brian Gielty, winner of the 2025 Founder's Cup, is not satisfied with merely winning the top accolade available in the world of bagpipes. According to a
For the first time ever, a Keel man has won the Dooagh Pipe Band Founders' Cup. The winner, Brian Gielty, said "I am delighted and honoured to be awarded this trophy. It's a proud moment for me and for my family." Mr Gielty's
Name: Amy McNulty Height: 5’ 9’’ Instrument: Tenor Drum Sport: Gaelic Football Sport star: Aiden O’Shea Popstar: Taylor Swift Name: Clodagh Keane Height: 5’ 6’’ Instrument: Tenor Drum Sport: Soccer Sport star: Sharlene Mawdsley Popstar: Harry Styles Name: Edward Johnston Height: 5’ 8’’ (5’ 9’’ during periods of low
Preparations for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Achill Island were thrown into disarray today following allegations that the Dooagh Pipe Band, one of five bagpipe bands that participate in the parade, has been running an illegal performance-enhancing drug programme for its members. Our source, who prefers
ALL TIMINGS ARE APPROXIMATE, EXCEPT FOR THE DEPARTURE TIME OF 8.05am 7:30-7.50am - arrive at Molly's (https://maps.app.goo.gl/NRkfB6p125piHFro7); sign the register 8.05am - The band parades from Molly's to St Patrick's Church, Pollagh (https://maps.app.
This guide is based on the uniform for bagpipers. There are small differences for drummers. Mostly to do with the shawl. If there are any errors or omissions, contact noreply@dooagh-pipe-band.ghost.io Note: Dooagh Pipe Band Secretary, David McNamara, will be at Molly's from 7.30pm on
The 2025 Dooagh Pipe Band Awards will take place in the Wavecrest during the afternoon break on St Patrick's Day. Timings depends on how long it takes the band to march through the villages. Guideline 3.30pm - 4.00pm The awards categories are: • Best Dressed • Oldest Swinger
Irish Central: St. Patrick’s Day on Achill Island - a day unlike any otherEvery March 17th on Achill Island, an age-old drumbeat summons islanders before dawn, launching a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day that dates back to 1882.IrishCentral.comSean Molloy RTÉ: Why St Patrick's Day