What more of an honor could a band have, than to be invited to play for our friendly neighbors to the north on the occasion of the renewal of their St Patrick's day parade? Quebec has not held a St Patrick's day parade since 1926, yet one of the first things on their mind was to invite our band to perform for them, and we had a fantastic time. The crowd cheered heartily when we began marching on Rue St- Jean and bandsmen thoroughly enjoyed the warm hospitality as we raised a glass afterwards. We have to thank Peter Farrell, President of the Parade Committee and Deputy Mayor Michelle Morin-Doyle who attended the PD reception and hosted the post parade reception in City Hall. We also have to thank Quebec's Police department for the reception at your headquarters, and the almighty for keeping the temperature moderate for this fine day. We hope to see you again Quebec, Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Binghamton NY, March 6th, 2010
Another year has passed, and once again we had a fine time Marching in Binghamton's St. Patricks day parade. We have so many people to thank that we find it hard to name names without leaving someone out, but we must at least mention Captain John Shea who arranges our accomadations every year. Binghamton, we consider ourselves kindred spirits with you folks, and cannot wait until next year!
Binghamton NY, March 7th, 2009
Well, the Band has survived and enjoyed another of our annual trips up to the Binghamton St Patrick’s day parade. Fifty of our members made the trip this year, making it all the more enjoyable for ourselves and the great people of upstate New York. We must thank our fantastic hosts, and life long friends in the Binghamton Police Department for inviting us once again. Thank you for everything folks! From our arrival pizza party, through the whole day of marching and celebrating, then our breakfast the next morning---everything was perfect as usual.
Portmagee, Co Kerry, Ireland New Years, 2009
For the New Year, several members of the band were present in Portmagee Ireland and had the honor of performing in that village’s yearly celebration. The boys in the band need to thank Gerry Kennedy, Consul GeneralNiall Burgess and the whole village for their excellent hospitality. One can’t find a better place in Ireland to experience that fine country, for upon arrival at Portmagee, a person realizes he or she has returned home.
Gerry owns and operates The Moorings Bed and Breakfast Inn, right in the middle of town, and a perfect place to stay and decompress. If you are travelling in Ireland, you would be missing out if you didn’t stay a few days there in Portmagee. Gerry’s place features luxurious rooms, a perfect restaurant and a comfortable, friendly pub. If you stay at the Moorings, tell Gerry you know us, and he'll no doubt have a beer with you, that is if there is any left after our visit.
Pipe Sergeant Keith Rossiter and Bandmaster Brian Coughlan, play their outlawed tunes
in an ancient setting, whilst your humble webmaster is all stocked up for a turf war.
CHICAGO
The NYPD Pipes & Drums would like to send a heartfelt "thank you" to all of our friends in the Chicago Police Department, with special regards to your Pipe Band. Our trip to your fine city will not soon be forgotten, and your sense of hospitality is outstanding. We especially enjoyed the arrangements in the vicinity of Wrigley Field, and the rooftop BLAST we had as we watched your beloved Cubbies defeat Pittsburg. Celebrating with you and performing in your concert was an honor for us! Congratulations on your band's 25th anniversary!
Pipe Sergeant Thomas Brancella
Once again, the NYPD Pipes & Drums must sadly announce the passing of one of our own. Pipe Sergeant Tommy Brancella passed away on June 15, 2006. Tommy was a retired NYPD Detective. Download a slide show tribute to Tommy Here.
Pipe Sergeant James Henry
It is with great sadness that the NYPD Pipes & Drums must announce the passing of Pipe Sergeant Jim Henry on May 30, 2006. (Retired NYPD Lieutenant) We offer our heartfelt condolences to Jimmy’s family. The band will never again be the same without him.
Download a Slideshow in Jimmy's memory here
Boston , Massachusetts, March 18 &19th, 2006 The Battle of the Bands and the South Boston Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
After a great day of marching up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the Pipes and Drums of the NYPD Emerald Society woke up the next day and headed up the Massachusetts Turnpike to Boston to participate in the Battle of the Bands. Billed as the World Series of Irish Piping, the Battle of the Bands pitted the NYPD against the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums at the famed Doyle's Pub of Boston’s Jamaica Plains neighborhood. The friendly competition was to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Cystic Fibrosis.
Many thanks to our hosts, The Boston Police Gaelic Column Pipes and Drums. Our friends, under the leadership of President, Jim Barry, treated us like royalty, from the motorcycle escort on the Mass Pike to the tremendous reception at M.J. O’Connor’s when we arrived. A special thanks to our friend and supporter, Police Commissioner Kathleen O’Toole of the Boston Police Department, who was there with her husband, Dan to greet our arrival and honor us with some very kind words. The Battle of the Bands was a tremendous success with a crowd so large that hundreds waited out in the bitter cold for a chance to hear the bands. The friendly rivalry of both bands made for fantastic music and great camaraderie. A great night was had by all.
What more of an honor could a band have, than to be invited to play for our friendly neighbors to the north on the occasion of the renewal of their St Patrick's day parade? Quebec has not held a St Patrick's day parade since 1926, yet one of the first things on their mind was to invite our band to perform for them, and we had a fantastic time. The crowd cheered heartily when we began marching on Rue St- Jean and bandsmen thoroughly enjoyed the warm hospitality as we raised a glass afterwards. We have to thank Peter Farrell, President of the Parade Committee and Deputy Mayor Michelle Morin-Doyle who attended the PD reception and hosted the post parade reception in City Hall. We also have to thank Quebec's Police department for the reception at your headquarters, and the almighty for keeping the temperature moderate for this fine day. We hope to see you again Quebec, Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Another year has passed, and once again we had a fine time Marching in Binghamton's St. Patricks day parade. We have so many people to thank that we find it hard to name names without leaving someone out, but we must at least mention Captain John Shea who arranges our accomadations every year. Binghamton, we consider ourselves kindred spirits with you folks, and cannot wait until next year!
Well, the Band has survived and enjoyed another of our annual trips up to the Binghamton St Patrick’s day parade. Fifty of our members made the trip this year, making it all the more enjoyable for ourselves and the great people of upstate New York. We must thank our fantastic hosts, and life long friends in the Binghamton Police Department for inviting us once again. Thank you for everything folks! From our arrival pizza party, through the whole day of marching and celebrating, then our breakfast the next morning---everything was perfect as usual.
After a great day of marching up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the Pipes and Drums of the NYPD Emerald Society woke up the next day and headed up the Massachusetts Turnpike to Boston to participate in the Battle of the Bands. Billed as the World Series of Irish Piping, the Battle of the Bands pitted the NYPD against the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums at the famed Doyle's Pub of Boston’s Jamaica Plains neighborhood. The friendly competition was to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Cystic Fibrosis. 
Many thanks to our hosts, The Boston Police Gaelic Column Pipes and Drums. Our friends, under the leadership of President, Jim Barry, treated us like royalty, from the motorcycle escort on the Mass Pike to the tremendous reception at M.J. O’Connor’s when we arrived. A special thanks to our friend and supporter, Police Commissioner Kathleen O’Toole of the Boston Police Department, who was there with her husband, Dan to greet our arrival and honor us with some very kind words. The Battle of the Bands was a tremendous success with a crowd so large that hundreds waited out in the bitter cold for a chance to hear the bands. The friendly rivalry of both bands made for fantastic music and great camaraderie. A great night was had by all.