US pipe and drums band visits Meath for Easter

One of the United States’ premiere pipe and drums bands is set to play a huge part in Meath's 1916 centenary celebrations this weekend.

The Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipe and Drums will take part in commemorations on Easter Sunday and Monday as part of a ten-day visit to the country, hosted by lcoach tour provider Matthews.ie.

The band’s tour of the county will begin with a visit to Trim Castle on Easter Sunday for a private tour with local historian Tom Darcy.

The band will then leave for Longwood where they will lead the parade through the village for the unveiling of a plaque to lawyer, nationalist and politician Eamonn Duggan, who served as Minister For Home Affairs in the first post-treaty provisional Government.

The next day, the band will perform in the State commemoration in Ashbourne as part of a series of national events taking place simultaneously to mark the centenary.

The event will commence with a re-enactment of the Battle of Ashbourne, taking place at the Rath Cross Monument at 10.45am.

“The officers from the Philadelphia Police and Fire band are celebrating their own 20th anniversary this year and we are proud that they have chosen Matthews.ie to arrange this important visit,” said Colm Murphy, Groups and Tours Manager, Matthews.ie.

After their visit to Meath, the band will travel to Louth for a number of engagements before touring Northern Ireland. The band will return to the US on 3rd April