Cloughaneely Senior Band will remember Enya, Jamie and Shaun Martin in New York

Cloughaneely Senior Band will be remembering some lost friends as they take part in the New York St Patrick’s Day parade.

The band were honored to have received an invitation from The Donegal Association in New York to participate on Monday, March 17. In recent weeks, the community in Gortahork lost Enya McMurrough, Jamie Diver and Shaun Martin McClaffety.

Thirteen-year-old Enya joined her fellow first years for morning classes at PCC Falcarragh last month and two days later, surrounded by her beloved family, passed away in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.



A photo of Enya and a wreath in the colours of her beloved Cloughaneey Marching Band adorned a simple white coffin as the community came together to bid a farewell in Gortahork.

Her mother Fionnuala is a much-loved member of the Senior Band, and the McCready family has played an integral role in both the junior and senior bands.

Then, two weeks ago, Jamie, 20, and 17-year-old Shaun Martin tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident at their homeplace, Baltoney. Now, with even heavier hearts, the group carry the grief of [Jamie and Shaun Martin’s mothers, respectively] Roise and Sharon, who are part of our band family also as they mourn the devastating loss of Jamie and Shaun Martin.

As part of their trip, the band will take a special moment to remember Enya, Jamie, and Shaun Martin, three cherished
children whose loss has left an unfillable void. Their loss is deeply felt by all. At sunrise on Sunday morning, the band will gather on Brooklyn Bridge to honour the memories of these three beautiful children. In silence, and in love, they will stand together as one, ensuring that Enya, Jamie, and Shaun are forever part of their journey.

As Cloughaneely Senior Band marches down Fifth Avenue on St Patrick’s Day, they will do so with immense pride - not just for their parish, community, county, and country, but for the children they carry in their hearts. United in strength, love, and memory, they look forward to showcasing Donegal’s rich musical heritage on a global platform.

“We cannot begin to express our gratitude for the overwhelming support and generosity we have received from our community,” said Laura Barrett, Chairperson of Cloughaneely Senior Band. “The funds raised through our various fundraising efforts are being used solely for equipment, uniforms, travel, and transfers. Each band member has covered their own flights and accommodation costs for the trip."

At Masses on Sunday, Fr Donnchadh O’ Baoil “wished the band well on their trip on behalf of the community."

Although this trip will be difficult for the band, they will undertake it with strength, support, and love for everyone. We would like to thank everyone, our family, friends and community for everything.

This incredible opportunity will see the band proudly represent the parish of Cloich Cheann Fhaola on an international stage, performing for an estimated two million spectators along Fifth Avenue, with a further 30 million watching the broadcast.
A group of 32 band members, accompanied by supporters and family, will depart from Dublin Airport on Saturday to take part in the historic event.