We can see the origin of the Kilcar marching bands in this report from 140 years ago:

On St Patrick’s Day, at an early hour, the silence of the morn was broken by the pleasing sound of fife and drum playing favourite national airs along the streets of Kilcar village. Shortly after ten o’clock a procession was formed, preceded by flag bearers, and followed by a fife and drum band.  The members of the procession wore green scarfs, with white border and fringe, and a white cross on each end, white sashes, green neckties, and green ribbons around their hats.  One of the flags was very beautiful, representing on one side ‘the harp’, with the words Erin Go Bragh; on the other, the Sunburst, Round Tower, and Wolf Dog.  A second flag had on one side a representation of our Patron Saint, and on the other the inscription God Save Ireland.  The procession being joined by members from Killybegs bearing flags, they marched to the chapel where they attended Mass, after which they marched in the direction of Killybegs, a distance of some miles.  They then turned back and marched towards Carrick, followed by thousands of lookers-on, who much admired their good order and conduct.  Here they were heartily cheered by the multitude awaiting them; and those of the party who belonged to that district went to their respective homes.  The main body of the processionists marched back to Kilcar, where they dispersed, every man going immediately to his house.  It is gratifying to find that not one of the processionists, not even the thousands who accompanied them, was known to enter a public house on that day.  Much credit is due in this locality to Mr. C. O’Donnell, who presented the party with a beautiful and costly flag; also to Messrs John Gallagher, P. Murray, M. McGuire, and M. Cassidy, the gentlemen who, with Mr. O’Donnell, acted as officers on the occasion.  They exerted themselves successfully in organising the party, and must feel happy that all passed off quietly and respectably.