The Executive Committee of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch have issued the following statement, ‘It is with profound sadness that we learned on Saturday afternoon at our championships in Newtownards that our esteemed friend, Pipe Major Alec Brown had tragically passed away despite the best efforts of the medical professionals on site who attended to him.
The Executive Committee extends heartfelt condolences of behalf of the entire Northern Ireland Branch to Alec’s family, the members of Arranmore, Raphoe Ulster-Scots and Colmcille Pipe Bands, our friends across the Irish Pipe Band Association where Alec served on the NEC, and to the wider circle of friends and those people across the world that Alec left his personal mark on.
Alec has been a stalwart of the piping scene everywhere, whether it be in his native Scotland, on Arranmore Island in County Donegal which he made his home in later years, across the island of Ireland or on the international stage. He was loved and respected by so many across our wonderful pipe band family.
RSPBANI Branch Chairperson, Mr Alastair Patterson, who was present on Saturday at the championships, commented,
‘A sad and difficult day for our Pipe Band family with the sad passing of Alec doing what he loved, he was an amazing character and a friend to all who knew him. Our deepest and sincere sympathies go to Maria, Teresa, Callum and the entire Brown family circle at this sad and difficult time.
‘I also want to extend my sympathy to his fellow players in Arranmore, Raphoe Ulster Scots and Colmcille Pipe Bands, we as a Branch mourn with you in this time of sadness.’
RSPBANI Honourable Secretary and Contest Administrator, Ms Danielle McCartney, who was also a personal friend of Alec’s, wished to extend her deepest sympathies to Maria, Teresa, Callum and to all of the Brown families.
She also wished to thank all those who assisted at the scene on Saturday afternoon including: St John Ambulance, staff from Ards and North Down Borough Council, personnel from Ulster Flying Club and Ards Airport Fire & Rescue Service, EventSec, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Air Ambulance NI, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
