Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
THE distinctive shrill of the bagpipes filled the air in Killarney this afternoon to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day which brought the end of the war in Europe on 8 May 1945.
Organised by Pageant Master Bruno Peek and his dedicated team, it saw the playing of Battle’s O’er by pipers in 28 countries, including Ireland, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, France, Belgium, Canada, South Africa, Russia, United States and Germany is a very unique VE Day collaboration.
The fact that over 1,000 pipers in 28 countries participated during this very difficult time of crisis highlights the determination of the family of pipers throughout the world anxious to pay tribute to the many pipers that lost their lives during World War II.
Many millions of people throughout the world gave and sacrificed so much to ensure the freedom people can now today.
Piper Eamon Mulvihill, from Kilcummin, a member of the Killorglin and District Pipe Band, remarked: “After the Covid-19 lockdown announcement was made, it was disappointing that we would be unable to play together as a band.
“That said, we are delighted to be able to play and members of the Killorglin and District Pipe Band are still participating from the safety of their homes.”
At a most appropriate location of the Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty monument on Mission Road in Killarney, Eamon played Battle’s O’er, which is the traditional march played by pipers at the end of a battle and, in doing so, he paid tribute to the hundreds of pipers who saw wartime service.
“The pipers through their selfless bravery inspired the troops through their music and paid the ultimate price,” said Eamon.
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