According to Scheid, the Youngsville Marching Eagles submitted an application, video audition tape and then were judged and selected by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. Of all auditions received, the committee selected only 14 bands from around the world to play in their prestigious parade.

The Youngsville Marching Eagles were the only band selected from Pennsylvania.

“Most of the bands selected to play were from universities,” said Scheid.

The beginning of the band’s journey started in July when it was announced they had won a spot in the parade roster. Students began rehearsals for this trip right after Christmas break, confirmed Scheid, twice a week.

The Youngsville band waits in the lineup before the 2024 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

When the time came to travel across the Atlantic on March 13, Scheid confided that more than half of the students and instructors traveling experienced the unique experience of their first time flying.

Upon arrival in Dublin, the Youngsville Marching Eagles were treated to an arrival bus tour around the city of Dublin on March 14. However, the sites didn’t stop there — on March 15 the band visited the Cliffs of Mother and Galway City. Following this experience, on March 16 they visited Trinity College, founded in 1592, as well as the Book of Kells — written in the 9th century.

March 16 continued to be a monumental day for the Youngsville Marching Eagles as they were invited to perform at the Lord Mayor’s Mansion House for the St. Patrick’s Day Reception. Then, later in the evening the band performed at a sit down concert at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Being asked to perform at the Lord Mayor’s Mansion House was a “prestigious honor,” said Scheid. “The Lord Mayor even requested an encore. Later, he wanted to learn to play the drums — Kyle Henry, percussion instructor, showed him a beat — the Mayor repeated the tune back and did very well.” said Scheid.

The students had a “great time” speaking with the Mayor, according to Scheid. “He even was open to the students asking him questions, and was very polite to them.”

The next day, March 17, was the big day of the 2024 Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade. According to the Lord Mayor, relayed by Scheid, the parade drew in the largest audience ever in attendance with 700,000 people in attendance. The two hour parade consisted of the 14 marching bands, floats, and eccentric and artistic theatrical floats with active skits.

“The people of the audience participated and were very interactive during the parade,” said Scheid. “The people of Ireland were so friendly, and their biggest interest was just wanting to get to know the students and other participants.”

After the conclusion of the parade, the students were treated with a trip to the coastal town of Dun Laoghaire, Ireland for an opportunity to relax and unwind after the excitement.

Assisting Scheid along this journey with the Youngsville Marching Eagles was Assistant Director Ashley McKuhn, Percussion Instructor Henry and Guard Instructor Molly Pilling.

However, the band’s trip competitions were not over after the conclusion of the parade. According to Scheid, on March 18 in Limerick, Ireland the band participated in the 52nd International Band Competition where they were awarded “Best Youth Band.” Bands from across Ireland, Europe and America were all in attendance to compete.

The band then took a side journey to visit the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. To round off a successful trip the band visited the Blarney Castle on March 19, each taking a turn to kiss the Blarney Stone, which is said to give a person the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness, according to History.com.

“This trip was an amazing experience for all involved,” said Scheid. “The Irish people are so receptive and they loved the music provided by our students.”