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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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The Big Drum's Beating by The Achill Lads reached the top of the iTunes Irish Country Music Charts
TWO Mayo musicians have jumped to the top of the iTunes Irish Country Music Charts for their song celebrating St Patrick's Day on Achill Island.
The Big Drum's Beating by The Achill Lads reached the top of the iTunes Irish Country Music Charts yesterday having overtaken US country music stars such as George Jones, Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton.
The Achill Lads made up of Michael Lavelle and Cian McNamara released the song which celebrates the unique way the island community celebrates St Patrick's Day.
Posting on their Facebook page, The Achill Lads stated they were over the moon by the response of their latest single.
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“If you were to say to us last week that we would be beating Dolly Parton in the iTunes Country Charts, we would have laughed! But look, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a ‘9 to 5’.
“We are over the moon with the response and support with the song! Be sure to download and play it as much and possible to get the push on for the next couple of weeks!
“Roll on St Patrick's Day! Looking forward to seeing you all at 'Home' for the big day!!”
St Patrick’s Day traditionally starts early on Achill Island with the first blasts of the pipes beginning at 6am with a reveille when the island’s various pipe bands start marching.
The Dooagh Pipe Band is the oldest of Achill’s five community pipe bands having been established in 1947 when it replaced the village’s fife and drum band which had been in existence since 1882.
St Patrick’s Day is traditionally one of the busiest days on the island with many of the island’s Diaspora travelling to Achill for the celebrations. The Dooagh band usually starts their march at ‘Molly’s’ in Keel West before marching over the brae and meeting up with the other bands – Pollagh, Keel, Dookinella and Tonragee - where they all play together outside Dookinella Church.
The Big Drum's Beating is available to download on https://easylink.ie/achill-lads.
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