The Michael Collins Pipes and Drums was founded on June 29, 1996. The Band chose its name to honor Michael Collins who is regarded as the father of the Irish Republic; and to align itself more closely with its primary patron, the Michael Collins Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), based in Denver Colorado. The Band considers it a great honor to carry his name. The Band's connection with the AOH assures close ties with Colorado's Irish community and therefore, Irish music will always play a major role in the band's repertoire. The Band's mission also includes a promise to avoid political discord, discrimination, or exclusion of new members on the basis of religion, political or social ideology, or ethnic heritage. The band's objective is to learn and play great pipe musi