HISTORY

1980s

Vintage group photo of Scottish bagpipers and drummers in uniform posing outside beneath American and international flags
Vintage group photo of Scottish bagpipers and drummers in uniform posing outside beneath American and international flags

Founded in 1981 at the request of AOH Division Seven, Róisín Dubh began with members who were largely new to piping and drumming. Under the instruction of Tom Faughnan and Bridget Close, the band spent two years learning before stepping into parades.

In 1983, the band performed at its first Grand Marshal’s Ball and marched in its first East Islip St. Patrick’s Day Parade, establishing its signature maroon kilt and grey tweed uniform. Tom Dougherty served as the first Pipe Major, followed by Paul Harran and Tom McEnroe. Drum Majors included Jim McDonald, Joe McNally and Joe LePage.

1990s

Traditional Scottish dancers performing in front of a tent and crowd at a Highland gathering
Traditional Scottish dancers performing in front of a tent and crowd at a Highland gathering

In 1993, the band adopted a military-style jacket and glengarry hat, creating a new look while preserving the maroon kilt and sporran that connected the band to its original uniform.

As the band continued to develop, members competed at festivals and highland games across the Northeast and beyond, including the Suffolk County Feis, Hunter Mountain Celtic Festival, and Fair Hill Scottish Games in Maryland. In 1996, Bill LePage became Pipe Major, leading the band through its continued growth.

2000s

Certificate from the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association awarding Roisin Dubh Irish Pipe Band third-place overall points in the Grade 5 Pipe Band category in 2007.

The early 2000s brought significant competitive progress. In 2003, the Grade 5 band earned Champion Supreme from EUSPBA. The band also refreshed its uniform to the style worn today.

Róisín Dubh continued to expand its experience and develop its competitive strength, competing at Hunter Mountain at both the Grade 4 and Grade 5 levels. The band’s grade upgrade followed around 2004. In the late 2000s, Sean Buchta served as both an instructor and Pipe Major of the competition band, guiding the band through this period of continued development.

2010s

Bagpiper playing beside a man holding a trophy at an outdoor Highland games event

The 2010s brought continued competitive success and creative expression for Róisín Dubh Irish Pipe Band. The Grade 3 band earned first place at Hunter Mountain three consecutive years in a row, in 2014, 2015, and 2016. A remarkable achievement that reflected the band's dedication and consistency.

During this decade, the band also designed a series of custom bass drum heads, adding a distinctive visual identity to the drum corps and further establishing Róisín Dubh's presence both on and off the competition field.

2020s

Scottish bagpipe band members in kilts performing outdoors on a grassy field
Scottish bagpipe band members in kilts performing outdoors on a grassy field

Over the years the band traveled throughout the U.S. including South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, and Chicago, and introduced a new bass drum head design in 2022. In 2023, Grade 5 won first place among 17 bands at Glasgow Lands, MA, and became North American Champions at Maxville, Ontario. That same year, members performed alongside André Rieu at UBS Arena.

In 2024, the band upgraded to Grade 4, earning first place at the Fair Hill Scottish Games before traveling to Scotland to compete internationally. Grade 3 placed 11th out of 22 bands, while Grade 4B placed 15th out of 49. Members also performed alongside Carlos Núñez and Bagad New York. In 2025, the band reached a historic milestone by fielding Grades 3, 4, and 5 in competition for the first time in its history.

Throughout this period of competitive growth, the band's various grades were led by Pipe Majors Bill LePage, Tom Stapleton, Rory Cullen, and Chris Murphy, with Jimmy O'Kane serving as Drum Major.