New York Fire Fighters Win Trophy in Ireland

July 19, 2006 – The Fire Department of New York Emerald Society Bagpipe Band competed for and won a trophy in the All Ireland Bagpiping Championship held in Letterkenny, Ireland.

The band, which includes active and retired New York City fire fighters, claimed second place in Grade 4 of the competition. The Mayor of Letterkenny, Ciaran Brogan, and other competition officials awarded the band its winning trophy.

The FDNY Emerald Society Bagpipe Band is the first American band in the competition’s 61-year history to compete. An additional 17 bands from Ireland, including former champions, played against the FDNY band, which finished just two points short of first place.