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The National Ambulance Service Pipes & Drums Band Ireland was formed in 2006. The members of the band are made up of serving and retired members of the National Ambulance Service, and comprise of all grades including Advanced Paramedics, Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians and also staff from the National Emergency Operations Centre who are currently serving or retired. It all started from an idea that Paramedic Noel O' Connor (RIP) had. It was hoped that the band would encourage camaraderie within the service and that it would be cerimonial in nature for events such as parades and in service funerials. A pipe band had already started in Cork by our colleagues in the Southern Health Board Ambulance Service. So with very kind assistance from our colleagues in Cork, We got together in the National Ambulance Training School in the Pheonix Park Dublin, and the band was formed. We had great support from our colleagues in the service and in particular, our very first treasurer Paramedic Dave Cole (RIP) who helped us acquire funding for our instruments and uniforms. Unfortunately Dave was to pass away the very same year We formed. "Ar dheis De go raibh a anam" Our very first public performance was the Monasterevin St Patrick's Day Parade in 2007. We have had many memorable events since then.
Pipe Major Brian O' Reilly has been Pipe Major since the band was formed in 2006. Currently serving as an Advanced Paramedic Supervisor in Maynooth Ambulance Base in Co. Kildare, he started playing bagpipes at twelve years old for St Lawrence Pipe Band in Howth Co. Dublin.
Alan joined the NAS in 2008 and then the band in 2009 out of a passion for music and the challenge of learning to play a new instrument. He performs both in the band and as a solo piper when required. The highlights for Alan over the last fourteen years has been playing in Dublin's 3Arena and participating in the New York St Patrick's Day Parade.
John began playing the bagpipes in 2004 and is completely self-taught. Being ex Army, he helps with teaching, marching drills and all other aspects. A retired NAS Emergency Dispatcher, He first joined the Malahide Pipe Band in 2005 and he volunteered to play alongside NAS Pipe Band for their first St Patrick's Day Parade in 2006. John has been with the band ever since.
Drum Sergeant Stephen Wilson joined the Ambulance Service in 2002 and is a co-founder of the National Ambulance Service Pipes & Drums. His role is Advanced Paramedic Supervisor in both Swords and Finglas Ambulance Stations.
Drummer and Treasurer Julien Devergie. Drummer since he qualified as a Paramedic in 2012 and Treasurer since 2018, He serves as an Advanced Paramedic in Dublin South Central Base Drimnagh Co Dublin. Julian started playing percussion in 1994 in various bands and started playing marching drums in 2012.
James Quirke (Jim, Jimmy or Jem if you're part of the piping fraternity),joined the NAS pipe section ten years ago as an instructor. His piping career began at the age of seven when he joined his local St Joseph's pipe band in Clondalkin. He had the good fortune to be first taught under the instruction of Terry Tully, and then later by his father Tommy Tully. He progressed on to the senior pipe band under the instruction of the great Pipe Major Eamonn Mc Donald. He became Pipe Sergeant in 1985 following Eamonn's retirement, and continued under the instruction of Timmy Farrelly in grade 2. In 1999 St Joseph's Pipe Band amalgamated with St Laurence O' Toole Pipe Band and Jim again was under the instruction of Pipe Major Terry Tully and later, Terry's son Alan Tully. As you can see, He played under three generations of the Tully family. He returned to his local band St Josephs in 2018 where he still plays under the instruction of his dear friend Timmy Farrelly. He has competed at a high level in the Pipe Band world, playing in grades 3,2 and grade 1. He presently plays at grade 2. His achievements are as follows: 2 All Irelands in Grade 3 2 All Irelands in Grade 2 1 World Championship in Grade 2 in 1990 St Laurence O' Toole Pipe Band 4 All Irelands in Grade 1 1 World Championship in Grade 1 in 2010 Jim has also had multiple wins in both bands. Ps "I'm not result - driven, and believe that enjoyment in what you do is more important. Here's to the music." (Photograph by Christy Russell Photography.)
Damien works as a Photocopier Technician. He started drumming at 15 years of age for the Black Raven Pipe Band where he won many All - Ireland and World Titles. He then moved to St Laurence O' Toole Grade 3 Pipe Band where he won more All - Ireland, British and European titles. He currently drums for St Joseph's pipe band (Grade 2) where he has won multiple titles. He has been an instructor with the NAS Drum Corp for the past ten years.
The band honours the legacy of Mike King of Philip King Ltd, Aberdeen by wearing the Grampian tartan. It was woven by D C Dalgliesh. STA REF:6219,STWR REF:2894.
Interested in joining up? We would like to hear from any NAS members or former members who are interested in joining us. We practice weekdays in Swords Ambulance Station starting at 8 pm if you would like to learn to play and perform the bagpipes, snare or tenor drums.
