Clonmel Pipe Band History: From The Boys’ Club to Kickham Barracks
Pipe Band History in Clonmel: From the Boys’ Club to the Barracks
The Boys’ Club Pipe Band from Clonmel, County Tipperary.
Pipe bands have been a big part of Clonmel’s community life, with groups like the Boys’ Club Pipe Band being especially memorable. Many local people have vivid memories of these bands, which were often at the heart of local events and gatherings.
The Boys’ Club Pipe Band and Noel Lonergan’s Memories
For Noel Lonergan, music has always been important. He recalls how, every St. Patrick’s Day, the Boys’ Club Pipe Band would lead a procession to St. Patrick’s Well, filling the streets with their music. Well-known Clonmel musician Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin was once a member, and the band was taught by Tony O’Keeffe of Banna Chluain Meala.
Noel, a long-time committee member of Banna Chluain Meala, has kept his connections with the music community over the years. He also joined St. Mary’s Choral Society in 1967 and was part of the team that helped establish its current home, the White Memorial Theatre, that same year.
Early Pipe Bands in Clonmel: The Old Brigade Pipe Band
An old photo shared in the “Our Clonmel Memories” Facebook group shows the Old Brigade Pipe Band on St. Patrick’s Day in 1925. This band was often called the “Bread and Porter Band.” The Band Major, Timmy O’Dwyer from Glenegad Road, stands tall in the centre of the photo. Members like Patrick Joseph Lonergan of Moancrea, Petie Kelly from Knocklofty, and Billy Doheny were just a few of the many who played in the band. This group, recognised by their “sailor” style hats, was sometimes described as both a pipe band and a fife and drum band.
The Old Brigade Band in Clonmel, County Tipperary.
The Kickham Barracks Pipe Band and the 13th Infantry Battalion
Another well-known Clonmel band was the 13th Infantry Pipe Band, also referred to as the Kickham Barracks Pipe Band or the Local Defence Force (LDF) Pipe Band. Its members included Ned Britton, Paddy Wall, Tom Barrett, Patsy O’Brien, and Richie Lonergan. This band wore the traditional Irish Caubeen caps, a slanted style commonly associated with Irish military units. They played at a number of events, including a performance in 1966 for the reading of the Proclamation in Kickham Barracks.
Kickham Barracks Pipe Band (or the 13th Infantry Battalion Pipe Band, or the LDF - Local Defense Force Pipe Band).
The Ardfinnan Pipe Band
The Ardfinnan Pipe Band, from nearby Ardfinnan, also made regular appearances in Clonmel, especially at Knocklofty House in the 1950s. Known for their royal blue kilts, white belts, and sashes, they brought their own unique look to local performances.
The Ardfinnan Pipe Band, Clonmel, County Tipperary.
A Lasting Tradition in Clonmel
From the Boys’ Club Pipe Band to the Kickham Barracks Pipe Band, Clonmel has a long history with pipe bands that have been part of local life. People like Noel Lonergan, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Timmy Ó’Dwyer and many others have kept these traditions alive, and these bands are remembered fondly in Clonmel to this day.
Here are more images from the different bands over the years:
Kickham Barracks Pipe Band (LDF/13th Inf. Bat. Pipe Band).
Reading of the proclamation in 1966 in Clonmel.
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