The Auburn University Marching Band performed abroad for the first time in its 110-year history when it participated in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Limerick and Dublin, Ireland.

Approximately 200 band members, along with Director of Bands Rick Good; Marching Band Director Corey Spurlin; and Assistant Director of Bands Doug Rosener; and others, flew out of Atlanta March 13 for a five-day itinerary in Ireland that included two days in Limerick and three days in Dublin.

On Sunday, March 16, the band performed at the 36th Annual Limerick International St. Patrick’s Festival Band Parade in Limerick. On Monday, March 17, the group performed at the International St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Guinness Brewery in Dublin. Also during the trip, band members took tours to learn about Irish culture and history.

In April 2006, the Lord Mayor of Dublin contacted Good to invite the band to appear in the 2007 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Due to a much-needed fundraising drive for new marching band uniforms, Good declined for 2007 but accepted for March 2008.

“That was a tough decision to make at the time, but it was the right one,” said Good. “I am just so honored that we could make this special international educational experience happen for all those involved.”

The parade route in Dublin was 2.8 km, or 1.7 miles, and took approximately one and a half hours to complete. Special guests of the parade included The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Paddy Bourke; and the CEO of St. Patrick’s Festival, Donal Shiels.