Letterkenny Pipe Band to mark 25 years of music, culture, friendship and success

Letterkenny Pipe Band marks 25 years of music, culture, friendship and international success.

This year, the Letterkenny and District Pipe Band proudly celebrates 25 years since its founding, a milestone that highlights not only musical achievement but also the enduring friendships and cross-community spirit that have defined the group since day one.

25th Anniversary Dance
To mark this milestone year, the band will host a 25th Anniversary Dinner Dance at the Orchard Inn, Letterkenny on Friday, October 10, doors open at 7pm with dinner served for 7.30pm.

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Past and present members, supporters, and friends are warmly invited to join the celebration of a quarter-century of music, memories and camaraderie. For tickets, contact 0866680041. Or if you can't make the dinner come join us for the dance for 9.30pm. Founded in 2000 by a small group of enthusiasts, including the founder member, Mervyn Elvin, the band has grown from humble beginnings into one of Donegal’s most respected musical ensembles. Over the years, they have represented Letterkenny with distinction at home and abroad, creating memories and connections that will last a lifetime.

Championship success
The band’s competitive record is impressive. A defining moment came in 2009, when the group was crowned World Champions in Grade 4A, a triumph that placed Letterkenny firmly on the global piping map. This year, as the anniversary celebrations continue, the band added another remarkable achievement - second place at the 2025 World Championships in Grade 4B, proving that the passion and dedication of its members remain as strong as ever.

Iconic Trips Abroad
Letterkenny Pipe Band has always embraced the opportunity to share its music internationally. Memorable performances include moving commemorations at Thiepval in Belgium, a warm welcome at the Highland Games festival in Bressuire, France, and, as part of this year’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the once-in-a-lifetime honour of marching up New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue in the 2025 St Patrick’s Day Parade. Each trip has strengthened the band’s bonds and showcased Donegal’s cultural heritage to audiences around the world.

Local and annual events
A vibrant part of the community year-round, the band organises the annual Burns Night celebration, tying in the strong connections between Donegal and Scotland. The band performs regularly at local charity events, festivals and fleadhs, sharing the rich tradition of pipe music with audiences of all ages.

Bringing Major Events to Letterkenny
The band’s contribution goes far beyond performance. It has played a key role in bringing major piping events to the town, hosting the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships in 2004 and again in 2006. These landmark occasions drew huge crowds and gave a major boost to the local economy, putting Letterkenny firmly on the piping map of Ireland.
Most recently, the band successfully organised the inaugural Northwest Solo Championships, further strengthening the region’s reputation as a vibrant centre for piping and drumming excellence.

A Cross-Community Legacy
From its inception, the band has been proud to represent the very best of a cross-community ethos, creating a space where people of all backgrounds come together through a shared love of traditional music. That spirit of friendship and inclusivity continues to be the heartbeat of the group and a source of pride for the wider community.

Grateful for 25 Years of Support
The band also pays heartfelt thanks to the people of Letterkenny and the wider community, whose generous financial support over the past quarter-century has helped sustain its work. From funding instruments and uniforms to enabling travel to major competitions and international events, this backing has been essential to the band’s success. Members say the community’s belief in their mission has been a constant source of encouragement and pride.

Looking ahead under new leadership
Now under the leadership of current Pipe Major Conor Molloy and Drum Sergeant Stephen Doyle, the band is excited to build on its proud heritage and to nurture the next generation of pipers and drummers. With a strong foundation and a shared vision for the future, the Letterkenny & District Pipe Band looks forward to many more years of music, friendship and international achievement. As the band steps confidently into the future under their guidance, the legacy of Mervyn Elvin and the founding members lives on in every note played and every friendship forged—proof that the spirit of the Letterkenny Pipe Band is as vibrant today as it was 25 years ago.

Recruitment
The band is always seeking to encourage beginners or experienced players to come along and be part of the band's journey for the next 25 years and further. Classes are commencing for children, teenagers and adults for bagpipes and drums. For information, contact us directly on 0866680041, our Facebook page, or any band member.