Senator Manus Boyle proudly beating the drum for his beloved Killaghtee

It was with a tremendous sense of pride that Senator Manus Boyle donned his Killaghtee Band uniform to take part in the Donegal Town St Patrick’s Day parade.

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Despite being recently appointed a senator, the Bruckless man remains true to his roots, happily taking his place in the ranks of the band founded by his father John more than five decades ago.

Indeed, with Manus keeping time on the big drum, former councillor John Boyle kept step behind him, casting a watchful eye on the Killaghtee Band as they delighted the crowds gathered for the parade.

Senator Boyle told Donegal Live: “It was Dad that started the band in Killaghtee back in the early ‘80s. He has been involved ever since.

“He loves the bands and is always there.”

The love of marching bands certainly rubbed off on the young Manus, who has been participating in parades from his childhood.

“I have been involved in bands all my life, in the Killaghtee Band and in St Catherine’s Band in Killybegs. 

“It is one of the proudest days you have, going out on St Patrick’s Day, and I will keep going out with the band for as long as I can.”

Formed around 1980, the Killaghtee Band disbanded for around ten years, and Senator Boyle joined the ranks of St Catherine’s in Killybegs. 

“When the football field in Dunkineely was 40 years old, we were asked could the Killaghtee Band take part in the celebrations, so we came back together then and the band has been kept going since," he said.

“I have really enjoyed being a part of both bands. I wasn’t much good at football but I always liked music and that is why I stuck with the bands.

“There are a lot of special days and special memories - St Patrick’s Day and Easter Sunday, a football team coming home; it is a chance to get out and be part of what is happening in the community.

“The one that stands out the most is parading the Donegal Team through Killybegs and Ardara after them winning the All Ireland in 1992.

“And Killybegs band went to their first county championship in 1992.”

The band had a busy weekend, taking part in several parades and showcasing their music and choreography skills. And they have certainly been thinking outside the box with their song choices. The band blended ‘80s classics such as Eye of the Tiger seamlessly with more traditional marching band music to create enjoyable and entertaining performances.

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