A day to remember for St Roch’s Marching Band

AN INFLUX from Scotland is not unusual when Donegal have business at Croke Park, but this year’s football semi-final at the home of the GAA saw a different kind of invasion as St Roch’s Marching Band arrived in town.

The band were invited to perform at half-time of the main fixture, as well as during the break in the All-Ireland Junior Final (above), crowning a year of landmarks, celebrations and honours following their coronation as All-Ireland Champions at the 2024 Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann.

With such strong connections between Glasgow and Donegal, it was fitting that a Glasgow band were on the scene to give their performance on the day Donegal booked their place in the final after a demolition of a Meath side full of talent, but perhaps just a bit short on experience.

It was a ruthless showing of the talent and determination Donegal have offered this year, and that talent was matched in the performance by St Roch’s. Consular staff from the Irish Consulate in Edinburgh were watching proudly on, and after the match they shared the important sign this gives of the living links between Scotland and Ireland.

“The Consulate was delighted to be in Croke Park yesterday to see the mighty St Roch’s Marching Band provide the half time entertainment in front of 82,000 Gaelic Football fans,” they said. “It has been quite the year for St Roch’s—winning the All-Ireland Fleadh title, leading St Patrick’s Day parades in Glasgow and London, and now a performance at an All Ireland Football semi-final. It is a huge honour for any musical group to be asked to perform in Croke Park, but particularly a group from outside of Ireland. The invitation from the GAA is a testament to the work of St Roch’s, and more broadly Comhaltas in Scotland, for all that they do to promote Irish music and culture across Scotland.

“Yesterday’s performance is a reminder of the incredibly strong community and cultural links that exist between Ireland and Scotland. For many of the band members the day was doubly special with Donegal securing a place in the All-Ireland Final—a county with which so many band members have strong family connections.”

Members of Scotland GAA were also in attendance, with many of the band having their own strong links to the GAA community in Scotland as players, club members and supporters.

“[It was a] fantastic experience supporting St Roch's Marching Band in Croke Park GAA HQ yesterday,” a spokesperson for Scotland GAA said. “The band played at half time of the All-Ireland Junior Final between London and New York as well as Donegal and Meath. We could not thank the organisers and band enough for an inspirational appearance—one that represents and celebrates an incredible achievement for them and the diaspora around the world.”

The chance to perform at Croke Park was an emotional moment for the band, who were pinching themselves at the thought of marching on the hallowed turf.

“Hands down, Sunday’s marching band performance in front of 82,000 people had to be the pinnacle of our achievements this year,” said band member LJ Sexton. “Had anyone told us last March when we gathered together in St Mary’s Hall, Pollokshaws, that we would go on to win the All-Ireland and perform at Croke Park we would’ve laughed our heads off!

“I felt I was in the moment, drinking it all in and knowing so many of our family and friends were there too made it all the more special. And of course a Donegal win sealed the deal. What a day. What a weekend. We wont ever forget it as long as we live.”