First Northern Irish Pipe Band Championship of the Season at Bangor

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The Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships, the first pipe band championship of the 2017 Northern Irish season, was held at Castle Grounds, Bangor on Saturday 13th May, reports John Kelly.

The chieftain of the gathering was Alderman Deborah Girvan (Mayor of Ards and North Down) who took the salute and presented the prizes.  The Grade 1 winners were Field Marshal Montgomery (pictured above on their way to the line) and runners-up Vale of Atholl over from Scotland. The drumming prize went to the Police Service of Northern Ireland corps.

Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE (Field Marshal Montgomery) pictured receiving the Grade 1 first place trophy from Alderman Deborah Girvan, Chieftain of the Gathering and Mayor of Ards and North Down. Picture John Kelly

The other winners were:  Grade 2 – Manorcunningham, Grade 3a – New Ross & District, Grade 3b – Battlehill, Grade 4a – St Mary’s Derrytrasna and Grade 4b – Gransha.  The drum major winners were Adult Grade – Lauren Hanna (Lomond & Clyde), Juvenile Grade – Emma Barr (Field Marshal Montgomery), Junior Grade – Jamie Cupples (Aughintober) and Novice Grade – Louise Smiton (Closkelt).

Vale of Atholl pictured entering the competition arena

Full results in Grade 1:

All other results here. We will bring you the results from the other pipe band contest held yesterday, Dunbar, when we get them.

P/M Adrian Cramb of Vale of Atholl receives the runners-up trophy

Other pictures all courtesy John Kelly:

Champion Drum Majors: Adult – Lauren Hanna, Lomond & Clyde; Juvenile – Emma Barr, Field Marshal Montgomery; Junior – Jamie Cupples, Aughintober; Novice – Louise Smiton, Closkelt
George Ussher (RSPBA President), Alderman Deborah Girvan, Chieftain, and Winston Pinkerton (RSPBANI President) pictured at the Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships at Bangor
The journey over from Scotland was made worthwhile for Vale of Atholl with a second place finish in Grade 1 and this excellent shot of the band in front of Bangor Castle after their performance. Included are Adrian Cramb, Pipe Major (left in back row) and Adrian Hoy, Leading Drummer (left in front row)

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