Watch: Pride and poignancy for Cloughaneely Band on St Patrick's Day in New York

As Cloughaneely Senior Band marched down Fifth Avenue on St Patrick’s Day, they did so with immense pride—not just for their parish, community, county, and country, but for the children they carry in their hearts.

They were honoured to have received an invitation from The Donegal Association in New York to participate in the prestigious New York St Patrick’s Day Parade.

This incredible opportunity saw 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.

It was a proud, yet poignant occasion as in recent weeks, the community in Gortahork lost Enya McMurrough, Jamie Diver and Shaun Martin McClafferty.

Thirteen-year-old Enya joined her fellow first years for morning classes at PCC Falcarragh in February before feeling unwell 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, late last month, 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 took 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. The band will gather on Brooklyn Bridge to honour the memories of these three beautiful children. In silence, and in love, they stood together as one, ensuring that Enya, Jamie, and Shaun were forever part of their journey.

This incredible opportunity saw 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, made the journey.