CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) – The sound of bagpipes has long been a hallmark of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This year, one of the city’s most recognizable pipe bands is marking a major milestone.
The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, a century after the group was founded in Chicago by Irish immigrant Tommie Ryan.
Ryan came to the United States in the early 1920s after being deported from Ireland for his involvement with the Irish Republican Army. In Chicago, he gathered a small group of mostly Irish immigrants – along with some Americans – and formed the band in 1926.
“From that point on, that small group of people really wanted to spread the way of the Gael, as we say, and the Irish culture and music,” said Patrick Van De Wall, a bass drummer with the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band.
Over the past century, the Shannon Rovers have become a fixture at parades, community events and ceremonies across Chicago. Their busiest stretch comes each year around St. Patrick’s Day.
“We did about 66 jobs alone after the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, and we have another full slate of activities scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day,” Van De Walle said.
That packed schedule means plenty of time marching and performing across the city.
“Let’s just say everybody eclipsed their 10,000-steps record more times over every day we go out and play,” Van De Walle joked.
But members say the energy from the crowd makes it worthwhile.
“Walking into these places and seeing how people react and getting up and cheering,” Van De Walle said. “Some of them know the words from some of these old Irish tunes they’ve heard for years and years. To hear it on the pipes just kicks it up another level. It makes it so much fun.”
The band’s centennial celebration will continue this summer with a major event planned for July 9 at Soldier Field.
“We’re going to perform a couple sets, but we’ll also have some bands,” Van De Walle said. “We’re going to transform Soldier Field into an Irish village, and we’re just going to have so much fun.”
After a busy St. Patrick’s Day season, the band says it’s grateful to continue a tradition that has resonated with Chicago audiences for generations.