City of Limerick Pipe Band Returns for Third Year Ahead of Tybee Irish Heritage Parade Members of the City of Limerick Pipe Band gathered on Tybee Island for rehearsals ahead of Saturday’s Tybee Island Irish Heritage Parade, marking the group’s third participation in the annual event. The band, which hails from Ireland, traveled nearly 4,000 miles to join the coastal Georgia celebration. The practice session took place on the beach, drawing onlookers who stopped to watch the performers. Snare drummer Paul Fenton noted that the scale of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the region surpasses what the band typically experiences in Ireland. “They’re a lot bigger here. They do more, we’ll say, than we do at home,” Fenton remarked. Tenor drummer Jade Crofton added that the difference might surprise some, as many assume Ireland hosts grand celebrations for the holiday. “A lot of people probably would imagine that Ireland is doing an awful lot for St. Patrick’s Day. We really don’t,” Crofton said. The band’s presence on Tybee Island has been met with warm reception from locals, a trend that has persisted through each of their visits. Crofton highlighted the sense of community and shared cultural pride, stating, “It just makes us feel really loved as a community as well, like as Irish people coming over here.” Savannah, the host city for the Tybee Island event, is known for its massive St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which attract visitors from around the world, including Ireland. The parade and related festivities serve as a vibrant showcase of Irish heritage, drawing crowds and fostering connections between the island’s residents and the band’s members. The City of Limerick Pipe Band’s return underscores the enduring appeal of the tradition and the mutual appreciation between the two communities.#city_of_limerick_pipe_band #tybee_island #st_patrick_s_day #savannah #paul_fenton
