Type Unit of authority Tartan Notre Dame Plaid | Size 10 Guards | |
Active 1949-2014, 2014-Present (re-organized) Country United States of America Role Escorting the Band of the Fighting Irish | ||
The Irish Guard is a group of uniformed students that leads the Band of the Fighting Irish onto the field at home games. They are considered one of the integral parts in the pageantry, lore, and legend of Notre Dame football.
Contents
History
The Irish Guard was formed in 1949 as a part of the University of Notre Dame Marching Band. The uniform of the guard is based on the pattern of the traditional Scottish kilt and incorporated the unique Notre Dame tartan.
They accompany the Fighting Irish Marching Band at away games throughout the season, and at all home games at Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish Guard often travels with the Band of the Fighting Irish to away games and marches with the band on campus. These traditions include the Victory Clog to the tune "Damhsa Bua" performed after every Irish football win..
Requirements
Members of the Irish Guard must demonstrate a refined marching technique, a dedication to university ideals, and, most importantly, stature and poise.
John Fyfe, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and former employee of the University of Notre Dame, provided members with background and experience as to the proper way to dress, march, and comport themselves in public. Mr. Fyfe taught the Guard to emulate the stoic and silent manner of the British Army's Foot Guards, including that of the Irish Guards.
In 2014, Notre Dame Band Director Dr. Kenneth Dye announced several changes to the Guard, including a removal of the height requirement, enhanced element of service to the band and community, a requirement of musicianship or band managerial service, a term limit for guardsmen of one to two years, a removal of the "Inspection of the Guard," and prerequisite band experience for eligibility as a guardsman.