William Cogan was a dedicated member of the renowned Carrigaline Pipe Band for over half a century, having acquired a love of the pipes from his father James, who played with Shanbally's National Foresters Pipe Band.
William was a founder member of the original Local Defence Force band, which made it's first appearance on St. Patricks Day,1943.
Pipe Major for a number of years, he retired from playing with the band in 1993 but continued to devote much of his spare time to instructing and encouraging younger members.
His role as piper and organiser took him to many parts of Ireland, Britain and the continent. Highlights of his career included performing as lone piper at the funeral of ballet luminary Joan Denise Moriarty and playing with the band for the visit to Ireland of President John F. Kennedy and Presidents Hillery and Robinson to Carrigaline.
His quiet and unassuming dedication has set an example for all band members over the years and will surely continue to do so in the future.