Plans to set up new pipe band in Kilkenny - get involved!

A local man is pulling out all the stops to try to get a pipe band back on the road in Kilkenny City.

Liam Heffernan, who grew up surrounded by music, is calling for a new pipe band to be established in Kilkenny City.

“We have lots of pipers and a proud piping tradition in this county that isn’t being harnessed at the moment to its full potential,” he said.

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Heffernan told Kilkenny Live that he has been offered a donation of some instruments, uniforms and drums however this will only be a ‘fraction of the cost’ of the overall endeavour.

“To get the band on the road we’ll need to raise about €25,000 to cover expenses like insurance, more instruments, upkeep, travel and much more,” he explained.

“The aim is to be playing as a fully-formed and trained band for next year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade here in Kilkenny City.

“After that, we’d be aiming to perform in the parade in New York City within five years.”

Heffernan also described Kilkenny as the perfect location for hosting future pipe band competitions that could draw many people to the city and county.

An upcoming meeting is to be held in the Home Rule Club at 8pm on Wednesday, July 31, for anybody even remotely interested in getting involved in the new pipe band.

This includes not only playing instruments (of which training can be provided for a fee) but also volunteering to raise awareness and fundraising.

Anybody from thirteen years of age onwards is invited to participate with the band and attend the meeting.

Members from the Irish Pipe Band Association (IPBA), including Chairman Brian McMahon, will be present on the evening.