Longford Pipe Band rings in their 60th anniversary

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Photos by Michael Croghan

There was a huge turnout on New Year's Eve last as the There was a huge turnout on New Year's Eve last as the Longford Pipe Band rang in 2026 to great festivities. Their performance is a much anticipated annual event, however this year, there was double reason for celebrating as it was the band's 60th anniversary.  

To suitably mark the occasion, the members were given permission to perform in the triangle outside St Mel's Cathedral, the original setting for the NYE performance until safety issues forced a move to the grounds of the cathedral.

Founding member and Pipe Major Benny McGuinness, and his brother, drummer Tom McGuinness, spoke to The Longford Leader about the success of the night.

“It was a very enjoyable night,” Benny begins. “We were very happy with how things went.” 

Adds Tom, “I loved it, I loved every minute of it because I love to see people happy and enjoying themselves. There was a great crowd which was wonderful” 

For many families, watching the For many families, watching the Longford Pipe Band play at midnight outside St Mel's Cathedral on New Year's Eve has become a much much-loved tradition, so much so, that the members recognise many returning faces each year. play at midnight outside St Mel's Cathedral on New Year's Eve has become a much much-loved tradition, so much so, that the members recognise many returning faces each year.

More photos of the Longford Pipe Band NYE celebration 

The fact that it is treasured by so many people is one of the reasons why the band hope to secure its future. At the moment, there's no guarantee the band will be returning for the next NYE so it's hoped Music Generation will be able to recruit new members.

As Tom explains, "It's a tradition we would love to keep going because it's looked forward to by so many people every year. Benny's daughter Siobháin is determined to keep the band going so hopefully new members will come on board soon and keep the tradition alive.” 

Benny adds, “We have seen the different generations come and go throughout the years. Many of the older people that used to come during the very early years are now gone but their children, grandchildren, and in some cases,  their great grandchildren are coming to see us each New Year's Eve.”    

The band is very much a family affair with four McGuinness brothers, and two McGuinness daughters.

Currently the band consists of Benny McGuinness, Seamus Rawle, Siobháin McGuinness, Adrian Deely, Tom McGuinness, Michelle McGuire, Jude Nevin, Christy Devlin, Paddy Lennon, James McGuinness, Carol Kennedy,  and John McGuinness. 

Says Tom, “There are a number of people we'd like to thank for their help on the night. Firstly, the Longford Gardai for being there and keeping people safe. We'd also like to thank the photographers Tiernan Dolan, Lissette Carcamo, and Michael Croghan for taking photos, and the member of the ONI who streamed it live for people to watch.”