Next year’s All Ireland Pipe Band Championships will be coming to Derry-Londonderry on 5th July 2025. Surprisingly, but none the less welcome, the announcement came from the Executive Office of the Northern Ireland Assembly
This underlines that they consider it a significant event in the region’s cultural and tourism calendar and means there will be financial backing for the event.
The venue is the city’s Ebrington Square, a public space and tourist attraction built upon the former parade ground at what was the Army’s Ebrington Barracks. The Square is connected to the city centre on the west bank of the River Foyle via the Peace Bridge.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association NI Branch and Irish Pipe Band Association, joint organisers of the All Irelands, will be delighted at this support for Ireland’s most prestigious pipe band contest.
Last hosted during the successful 2013 UK City of Culture celebrations, the Championships are expected to draw thousands of visitors to the city, providing a major boost for local businesses and tourism.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill emphasised the strategic importance of the site. She said: ‘Unlocking the full potential of Ebrington Square is a priority for The Executive Office. That includes bringing major events such as the All Ireland Pipe Band Championships to the city.’
Alastair Patterson, RSPBANI Chairman said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to be bringing this Major Championship to the North West. I want to thank The Executive Office for getting involved and look forward to working closely with them, and also Derry City and Strabane District Council, and promise an excellent experience on the 5th July 2025 on the Square.’
- Pictured top are the Fintan Lalor pipe band, Dublin, winners of the All Irelands 60 years ago in 1964. Read more on the story of the All Irelands here.
RSPBA NI AGM: The 74th AGM took place last month. Officers were joined online by officials of the Irish Pipe Band Association and the RSPBA parent body. Two NI Branch positions, President and Treasurer, remain to be filled however it is my understanding that these will be filled in the near future. Long time Treasurer Kenny Crothers has agreed to continue until his successor is identified. In recognition of Kenny’s outstanding long service, he has been appointed one of the organisations Life Ambassadors along with Winston Pinkerton, Lowry Ferguson and George Ussher.
New appointments were: Vice Chair Andrew Graham, Finance Committee Chair Winston Pinkerton, Media/Comms Committee Chair Erinn McIlwaine, RSPBA Director Geoff Hamilton, Antrim Rep Catherine Weatherup, Down Rep Vikki Singer, Chief Steward Drew Bingham, Hon. Vice Presidents Mrs Elizabeth Mary Connolly (proposed by Ravara), Mr Charlie Conway (proposed by Closkelt).
Members heard of the financial support from the NI Assembly Executive Office for the All Irelands. The remainder of the 2025 season remains to be confirmed however I understand that venues will include Cookstown, Enniskillen, Newtownards, Newcastle and possibly Portrush.
County Down AGM: Chairman, Derek Mack, welcomed everyone. Elected to office: President Lorraine Ronaldson, Chairman Derek Mack, Treasurer Ivan Crothers, Secretary Vikki Singer, Trophy Officer Roy McCullough, Representative To Executive Vikki Singer. Down Section extended their sincere thanks to outgoing representative Wilby Hanna of Upper Crossgare for his many years of dedicated service in this role. Bands in attendance congratulated the section on the indoor competition at Dromore in April.
Relaunch of Markethill: Some months ago, I reported on the relaunch of Markethill Pipe Band. Organisers were delighted with the the numbers who signed up and practices commenced in Kilbracks Orange Hall in October. The leadership is very impressed with the progress the band is making. Delighted as they are with how things have worked out, the band remains eager to recruit further members regardless of ability.
2025 Tartan Dander: Belfast’s first Tartan Day parade attracted a larger than expected number of participants and an even larger number of spectators lined the route. Organisers are already planning next year’s ‘dander’. Ulster-Scots Agency chief executive Ian Crozier said: ‘Tartan Day proved to be such a hit that the organisers are already working on a bigger and better return next year. There can be no doubt that Belfast has a strong appetite for Ulster-Scots culture.’
Nicknamed the ‘Big Dander’, the parade was timed to coincide with St Andrew’s Day the celebration of Scotland’s patron saint. The event could well become one of the highlights of Belfast’s cultural calendar providing it gets full support. On this occasion the event got the support of Communities Minister Gordon Lyons who actually led the parade through the streets, and Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray who attended a special ‘Tartan Tea’ in Belfast City Hall for the participants.
If you took part in the Belfast Tartan Day Dander as a participant, spectator or watched the livestream the Ulster Scots Agency would love to hear from you. Go to their Facebook page and find the link to a short survey and give them your feedback to help them with future planning.
Kids with Cancer Concert: 80% of the 22 March, 2025, lineup has been agreed. Headlined by St Laurence O’Toole, this is always a spectacular evening. If you live outside Northern Ireland why not come over for a few nights and enjoy the concert and the many other sights that we have to offer. Book your seats with PayPal using the kidswithcancer2020@outlook.com address.
