St. Joseph’s Pipe Band of Aughavas, County Leitrim

In the quiet parish of Aughavas, County Leitrim, there was once a proud group of musicians who made their mark on local life — the St. Joseph’s Pipe Band of Aughavas. Active mainly through the 1940s and 1950s, this band carried the sound of the pipes through parish events, community gatherings, and local celebrations, before eventually fading from the scene sometime in the 1960s or 70s.

The band was made up of well-known local men, many of whom were multi-talented musicians. Among them were Paddy Nicholl, Patrick “Packie” Carroll, Francie Charles, Charlie Lee, John Blessing, Sean Maguire, Jim Kiernan, Jack Reynolds, Patrick “Packie” Early, and Paddy McIntyre. Packie Early was said to be related to the famous Sergeant Early mentioned in O’Neill’s music collection — a strong musical link that shows the depth of tradition in the area.

Like many bands of the time, the Aughavas Pipe Band was linked to the F.C.A. (Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil), Ireland’s Local Defence Force. Across the country, the FCA often supported the creation of pipe bands to bring pride, ceremony, and identity to local units. In Aughavas, this connection gave young men a chance not only to serve but also to keep their musical heritage alive.

What became of the band is uncertain. Some say it was emigration that slowly broke it up, as men left Leitrim for work in England, America, and beyond. It’s a familiar story — one that affected small communities across Ireland.

Even after the band faded, music never left the parish. Many of its members and neighbours were known for their skill on other traditional instruments like flute, fiddle, and accordion. John Patrick Blessing from Carrickavoher, Michael Gaffney from Aughalough/Drumreilly, and Frank O’Higgins kept the local tradition alive with sessions and tunes that are still remembered locally. 

Though the pipes may have fallen silent in Aughavas, the memory of the St. Joseph’s Pipe Band remains a reminder of a proud musical era — when every parish had its own sound, its own band, and its own story.