The Gorey Pipe Band, formerly known as St. Michael's Pipe Band, was formed in 1938 by the late Captain Bob Kinsella . The band's first public appearance was during the 140th anniversary commemorations of the 1798 rising. Johnny Leacy and Coughlan Kavanagh played the pipes as they led a parade of pikemen through the town.
The late Michael Lacey was also a contributer to the formation of the band. He was a devoted member for more than 60 years and served as the band's president up until the time of his passing in 2002.
In 1941, the Arklow Pipe Band was formed. Members of the Gorey Pipe Band used to cycle to Arklow with their pipes over the handlebars to teach its members.
The Gorey Pipe Band had the great honour of being the first Pipe Band to play in Croke Park. In 1945 the band led the Wexford and Cavan teams in a pre-match parade for an All Ireland Senior Football semi-final.
The late Michael Lacey was also a contributer to the formation of the band. He was a devoted member for more than 60 years and served as the band's president up until the time of his passing in 2002.
In 1941, the Arklow Pipe Band was formed. Members of the Gorey Pipe Band used to cycle to Arklow with their pipes over the handlebars to teach its members.
The Gorey Pipe Band had the great honour of being the first Pipe Band to play in Croke Park. In 1945 the band led the Wexford and Cavan teams in a pre-match parade for an All Ireland Senior Football semi-final.
In 1992 the 'Big Top' visited Gorey town. Gorey Pipe Band, led by Pipe Major Tom Doyle, opened for the event as RTE filmed it live. The video is featured below. Please excuse the poor quality.
2003 proved a very prosperous year for the Gorey Pipe Band. First successful at the Seabreeze Festival, Arklow, both drummers and pipers won 1st prize in grade 4B. The Band then competed in grade 4A and were placed 2nd. The triumphant streak continued at Howth when two prizes - a 1st and a 3rd - came the band's way. The band won ten prizes in total in 2003, including the title 'Champion of Champions'. They were presented the cup by the president of the Gorey Pipe Band, Seamus Dooley, during a day of busking.
The band won won this title three years in a row. In 2003, 2004 and 2005 under the leadership of Pipe Major John Cullen.
The band were proud to take home 1st prize in grade 4B and 2nd prize in grade 4A at the Leinster Championship, New Ross, August 2007, lead by Pipe Major Tom Doyle .
The Band officially changed it's name from St. Michael's Pipe Band to the Gorey Pipe Band in 2008, the 70th anniversary of the band's forming.
The band won won this title three years in a row. In 2003, 2004 and 2005 under the leadership of Pipe Major John Cullen.
The band were proud to take home 1st prize in grade 4B and 2nd prize in grade 4A at the Leinster Championship, New Ross, August 2007, lead by Pipe Major Tom Doyle .
The Band officially changed it's name from St. Michael's Pipe Band to the Gorey Pipe Band in 2008, the 70th anniversary of the band's forming.
Back Row: Left to Right Matty Behan, Thomas Doyle, Billy Duncan, Susie Woods
Middle Row: Dennis Mc Loughlin, Kevin Cush, Sean Byrne, Michael Morris, John Kinch, Michael Murphy, John Cullen, Pat Doyle, Trish Quinn
Front Row: Pat FitzPatrick, Liam Doyle, John Morris, Sarah FitzPatrick, Mary Morris
Middle Row: Dennis Mc Loughlin, Kevin Cush, Sean Byrne, Michael Morris, John Kinch, Michael Murphy, John Cullen, Pat Doyle, Trish Quinn
Front Row: Pat FitzPatrick, Liam Doyle, John Morris, Sarah FitzPatrick, Mary Morris
In 1988 the Gorey Pipe Band travelled to America and played in St. Patrick's Day Parades in Washington and New York. They even played in the White House where the American Flag was taken down and presented to the band.
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In 1976 the band won the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championship in Rathcoole, Dublin. The Pipe Major at the time was Dennis McLoughlan, Sean Byrne occupied Drum Sergeant and Tony Fitzpatrick from the Thomas Davis Pipe Band, Newry, Co. Down was the band's Instructor, instructing from the sixties until the early nineties. Nine of the eighteen band members in '76 were from Cluainin.
