Top US high school marching band to visit this Tipperary town for St Patrick's festival

Arrangements are underway in relation to activities in Nenagh for St Patrick’s Day, Nenagh Municipal District councillors were informed at their January meeting.

One of the highlights will be the visit of the John F Kennedy High School Shamrock Regiment, which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their first trip to Ireland at the request of the Irish Tourism Board in 1974.

The group has travelled to Ireland approximately every three to four years since, with the notable exception of March 2020 when the trip was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The students, parents, and staff are thrilled to be back this year, according to Rosemary Joyce, district administrator.

The Shamrock Regiment is comprised of students in grades 9-12 from the school, as well as some high achieving seventh and eighth grade students from Walker Junior High School.

The band will visit Nenagh on Wednesday, March 20. It is anticipated that a party of approximately 150 will travel and this will include around 65 band members.

Arrangements are being made in relation to their performance on the day, which may take place in the castle grounds.

Ms Joyce revealed that the band are willing to donate their uniforms to any band that may need them.