Northern Ireland: Craigavon & District Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships

Words and pictures by
John  Kelly

Lurgan Park was transformed into a spectacular musical scene on Saturday with the Craigavon & District Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships attracting thousands of people to the dazzling one day event.

Organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (Co. Down Section) in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the event was a great success and showcased the brilliant talents of the world-class competitors who put on a fantastic musical display for visitors and guests.

People came from near and far to once again enjoy this prestigious event.  The competition was tough and the atmosphere was electric throughout the picturesque park.  While listening to the terrific melodies, visitors also sampled a wide range of food and treats while children enjoyed face painting and a fairground zone.

The picture above shows Pipe Major Robert Cupples (Police Service of Northern Ireland Pipe Band) receiving the Grade 1 trophy from the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Julie Flaherty (Chieftain of the Day). Included are Lorraine Ronaldson (President of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, Co. Down Section) and band members Dylan Coyle and Beth Preston.

The Lord Mayor said, ‘What a way to end my first week as Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.  I can honestly say that I was honoured to receive the salute as Chieftain of the Day.  I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the spectacular way the event and in particular the grand finale was presented.  The volume of the sound and the volume and talent of the band members made it a truly stunning and very emotion day for me in a glorious day of sunshine at Lurgan Park.’

Results by Gilbert Cromie:

Grade 1:
1^st PSNI (also Best Pipes, Drums, Bass Section and M&D)
2^nd Closkelt

Grade 2:
1^st Closkelt (Best Pipes (shared), Drums and Bass Section)
2^nd Manorcunningham (also Best Pipes (shared) and M&D)
3^rd Colmcille

Grade 3A:
1^st Marlacoo & District (also Best Pipes and M&D)
2^nd Upper Crossgare (also Best Bass Section)
3^rd Thiepval Memorial
4^th Drumlough (also Best Drums)

Grade 3B:
1^st St Mary’s Derrytrasna (also Best Drums and Bass Section)
2^nd Maj. Sinclair Memorial (also Best M&D)
3^rd Battlehill
4^th Clogher & District

Grade 4A:
1^st McNeillstown
2^nd Kildoag
3^rd Augharan
4^th Raphoe Ulster Scots. Best Drums: Clontibret. Best Bass Section: Tamlaght O’Crilly.
Best M&D: Cullybackey

Grade 4B:
1^stGransha (also Best Drums & Bass Section)
2^nd Sgt Walker Memorial
3^rd Ballyboley

4^th Bessbrook Crimson Arrow
5^th Altnaveigh Memorial
Best M&D: Kirkistown

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Drum Majors:

Adult: 1^st Lauren Hanna, 2^nd Andrea McKeown, 3^rd Jason Price, 4^th Emma Barr, 5^th David Brownlee.

Juvenile: 1^st Jamie Cupples, 2^nd Emily Crooks, 3^rd Rebecca Hamilton, 4^th Rachel Lowry, 5^th Kathryn McKeown.

Junior: 1^st Louis Anderson, 2^nd Lee Nicholl, 3^rd Abigail Wenlock, 4^th Kathy Hunter, 5^th Zara Cupples.

Novice: 1^st Louise Smiton, 2^nd Carys Graham, 3^rd Harry Mills, 4^thBen Dickson, 5^th Jamie Lee Wilson.

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