30     |    VIPPensacola.com

Pipe ‘n 

D

rums

L

isten closely, you can hear the thumping of the drums 

and the faint whistling of pipes fl oating on the wind. 

As you stand, eagerly anticipating, the sounds grow 

louder as the band approaches. Marching along, 

strong and proud, is The McGuire’s Irish Pub Pipe Band. This 

year marks their 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades 

of music and history. The band is comprised of 14 pipers, 7 

drummers, a drum major, 5 emeritus, 2 associate and several 

student musicians. The band’s uniform is unique in that it is 

based on military attire; with spats to cover their boots, black 

sweaters, military medals and horse hair sporrans. The kilts 

that they wear are really special. After reviewing many tartans, 

McGuire Martin chose an unusual green-dominant plaid that 

was perfect for the band. The tartan of McDonald, Lord of the 

Isle, is a nod to the beautiful gulf coast with its bold emerald 

green color. 

Molly and McGuire Martin created their restaurants with 

unique and rich traditions. These elements help to identify 

the McGuire’s brand, which carries over into the Pub Pipe 

Band. Molly was the band’s biggest supporter and the band 

added a small, embroidered memorial patch to the uniform 

to always keep her memory with the band. The longevity of a 

non-institution sponsored bagpipe band is very rare. McGuire’s 

Irish Pub Pipe Band is also special in their broad diversity 

in background and age. The band has a strong contingent 

of Veteran and retired U.S. military personnel and a wide 

occupational diversity. The youngest member is only 14 while 

the eldest is 84. The younger pipers and drummers work to 

ensure that the traditions of the band will continue on for the 

enjoyment of generations to come. 

story by

 

Courtney Murray

 

|  

photos provided by

 

McGuires Irish Pub

30-31 AdventureOut - McGuire's Irish Pub Pipe Band.indd   1

2/25/18   11:18 AM