Job Interview Kilted

[Kilted KT]

May the Kilt be with you!!!

[TJP33928]

Great Ron,
Just do what is best for you. Good Luck.
Tim

[shane the piper]

the man who started the st.columcille pipe and drum has much in common with you!read below



Born in Glasgow, Scotland of Irish parents (his mother from County Down; his father from County Donegal), Sean McGonigal spent part of his youth in Ireland. As a young man, Sean won a scholarship to the Scottish Master Painters and Decorators Academy, and in 1929, took his expertise as a sign painter and emigrated to the United States. Sean opened his own business as a sign painter shortly following his arrival, settling in Kearny, New Jersey.

It wasn't long before Sean became involved in organized piping, an interest that would consume the rest of his life. In 1933 he helped to form the Brian Boru Pipe Band as well as assisting other beginning pipe bands state wide. In 1949, Sean founded a pipe band that he wanted to be different than any that had gone before. He chose St. Columcille to represent his ideal - the unity of the Gael. Sean wanted St. Columcille to represent all who were proud of their blood and heritage and the band was no sooner formed than it was out making it's first appearance in October, 1949 in the Holy Name Parade in West Orange, New Jersey.

Sean's interest was not limited only to bagpipes. He had great interest in different cultures and a love of foreign tongues. In addition to being fluent in Gaelic, Sean also spoke German, Yiddish, French. Italian, Spanish and several American Indian dialects. His vast knowledge of the history of the American Indian qualified him as a contestant in the $64,000 Dollar Question, the popular 1950's quiz show. Sean's expertise in American Indian heritage allowed him to become a member of various Indian organizations, including the American Indian Congress and the Arrow Society .