Dooagh Pipe Band was founded on 17th of March 1947 with a membership of 11. Every year, without fail, the band has paraded on St. Patrick’s Day even through years when the toll of emigration was heavy in the 1950′s and 1960′s.
Down the years, equipment and uniforms have been purchased with funds generated by outings, fundraising and donations from the people of Achill, both at home and abroad. The band’s year begins in mid-October when practise sessions start. This is held on a weekly basis on Saturday nights until the end of January. T hen the practising begins in earnest with 3 or 4 sessions a week leading up to the highlight of the band’s year – St. Patrick’s Day. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with a parade at midnight from Dooagh to Pollagh Church where the new year is welcomed in earnest. The band attends around 15 functions each year. These range from football matches to weddings, festivals, horse shows and official openings of premises to name but a few.