The City of Limerick Pipe Band: 75 Years of Tradition

City of Limerick Pipe Band, 1954 performing at the Munster pipe band championships.

The City of Limerick Pipe Band

Founded in 1949 behind Mount Saint Laurence Cemetery, the City of Limerick Pipe Band has become one of Ireland’s leading pipe bands. Its origins trace back to a time when members from surrounding bands, including the Curragower Pipe Band, came together to form a new group dedicated to piping excellence.

Initially formed in the heart of Limerick, the band has evolved from its humble beginnings into a symbol of musical achievement and community connection. While the band is best known as a competition pipe band, its music has graced parades, echoed through GAA matches, and captivated audiences at concerts both locally and internationally.

Curragower Pipe Band in Lorient, 1980 - Many Curragower members played with City of Limerick throughout the years.

A Legacy Rooted in Limerick’s Piping History

Limerick has long been home to a vibrant piping community. However, of the many bands that once played in the area, only two remain today: the City of Limerick Pipe Band and the CBS Pipe Band. Remarkably, a significant 90% of the City of Limerick Pipe Band’s members, past and present, were originally part of the CBS school and its associated pipe band.

Conor Coughlan, a current member of the band, shared his personal connection to the tradition: “I initially got into pipe bands because I wanted to get out of class when I was in CBS primary school, and the love for the music came from there.”

Over the years, the band has collaborated with renowned groups such as The Chieftains and The High Kings. Their performances have taken them to events like the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France and the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Huddersfield, UK, showcasing their talents to international audiences.

City of Limerick Pipe Band at Festival Interceltique, Lorient in August, 2024. Members from New Ross, Batafada, Newcastle West, Fintan Lalors, Sligo pipe band, De La Salle, Tulla pipe band and more also joined City of Limerick in France.  

Celebrating 75 Years

As the band approaches its Diamond Jubilee, members are determined to make the milestone year a memorable one. Conor Coughlan stated, “The band is turning 75 this coming St. Patrick’s Day, and we want to make this year our best year so far! We’ve plans to go to the US, compete in as many competitions as possible, and push our members to excel in solo competitions. We’re also in talks to organise a concert for a mental health charity in December.”

In 2023, the band travelled to the USA for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and performed at the Festival Interceltique in Lorient in 2024. With plans to return to the USA in 2024, the band’s future looks incredibly promising.

To support their ambitious goals, the band has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for new equipment, uniforms, and continued tuition for both new and existing members.

City of Limerick Pipe Band in Savannah, Georgia for the 2024 St. Patrick's Day parade. They're planning another trip there this coming year, 2025.

A Roll Call of Talent

The founding members of the City of Limerick Pipe Band in 1949 included notable individuals such as Michael Kiely Senior, Sean Kiely, J. O’Dwyer, Michael Kenny, Jack Mitchell, J. McManus, Donal Hickey, Jim Bowman, Pa Storan, and Michael Frawley. Over the years, many talented musicians have passed through the band, including long-term Pipe Major Mickey McMahon.

Today, the band continues to be home to outstanding musicians and characters, with current members including Brian Tuite, Niall Tuite, Philip Doran, Paul Kennedy, Christy Bromwell, Jade Crofton, Roy Lynch, Shania Lynch, Calvin Lynch, Ken O’Brien, Harry Condon, Rory Sommers, Eugene Conlon, Tommy Carroll, Declan O’Mara, Kevin O’Brien, Luke Gorey, Paul Hayes and many more.

Founding members of City of Limerick Pipe Band. This image is from 1949 and the photo was presumably taken behind Mount Saint Laurence Cemetery in Limerick City.

Looking Ahead

As the City of Limerick Pipe Band prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary, it remains committed to honouring its rich history while embracing new opportunities. Whether performing on international stages or teaching the next generation of pipers, the band’s dedication to its craft ensures that the sound of Limerick’s pipes will continue to resonate for years to come.

Image: Ken O'Brien, Bass Drummer for City Of Limerick Pipe Band. His son, Kevin O'Brien is the lead drummer for the band.