In Pictures: St Catherine's Band Killybegs receive prize for New York parade

Chairman of the New York City Parade Foundation Hilary Beirne travelled to Killybegs to present St Catherine’s Accordion Band with their award from the St Patrick’s Day parade. Click on the arrows to see Siobhan McGowan's photos from the evening

The Killybegs band were awarded first place in the Foreign Ensemble Bands in the New York St Patrick's Day Parade this year. 

The presentation took place at an event in the Bayview Hotel, Killybegs on Wednesday, November 20. There was much excitement given that Hilary travelled all the way from New York to present the award in person.

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Also present was Jim McLaughlin, Vice President of the Donegal Association in New York, Lady Mayoress Christine Cunningham, Councillor and Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Niamh Kennedy, Cllr Manus Boyle, and TD Thomas Pringle. 

And of course, the real stars of the evening were the members of St Catherine’s Accordion Band who were joined by their families and friends.

Chairperson Nuala Knox welcomed everyone and spoke about the bands amazing trip to the Big Apple, thanking Hilary and his team for the fantastic opportunity to parade up 5th Avenue. 

She also thanked everyone who made the trip possible and helped out in any way whatsoever.

It's been quite a year for the band, having been crowned All Ireland Champions in the Senior Accordion Section at the Fleadh in August. 

Hilary and the other guests said a few words before the presentation and photographs were taken.

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