The RSPBANI Branch Executive Committee is threatening to suspend bands over the late return of trophies. A significant number, including some from previous years, have yet to be returned.
The committee expressed particular concern over memorial trophies, which hold deep sentimental value for the families or bands who have generously donated them. These trophies are intended to be presented annually, and failure to return them undermines the respect and recognition they represent.
Despite a lenient approach in the past, the issue has not been satisfactorily resolved. In accordance with RSPBA rules, the Executive Committee has now determined that any band or drum major with outstanding trophies will be regarded as suspended until they are returned.
If a trophy has been lost, it is the responsibility of the last recipient to provide a like-for-like replacement, at their own expense, fully engraved with all previous winners names.
While an additional monetary fine in line with the rules was also considered, it was agreed that for now this will remain a last resort. Immediate action is now required! All outstanding trophies must be returned without delay. For any queries and to make arrangements, contact: contests@rspbani.org.
Antrim Indoors: County Antrim Full Band Indoor Championships took place last Saturday. Thirteen bands competed across the five grades and competition was tight. Adjudicators were John Moles and Colin Moffatt (piping), Keith Orr (drumming) and Mark Faloon (ensemble). In 4B Tullylagan Jnrs. got the nod over Queen Elizabeth thanks to strong drumming and ensemble. The situation was the same in 4A with Thiepval Memorial overcoming the superior piping of Cottown. In 3B Upper Crossgare had a two point win over Ballyboley with the Crossgare piping seeing them over the line.
Clogher won 3A overcoming Cullybackey’s superior piping. Clogher took Grade 2 over Irvine Memorial and Cloughfin with a maximum score from the four adjudicators. Videos can be viewed on the Big Rab Show Facebook page. For the first contest of the year the playing is quite impressive. 4B: 1 Tullylagan 2 Queen Elizabeth 3 Bready Ulster Scots; 4A: 1 Thiepval 2 Cottown 3 Gransha; 3B: 1 Upper Crossgare 2 Ballyboley; 3A: 1 Clogher 2 Cullybackey 3 Cloughfin; G2: 1 Clogher 2 Irvine Mem. 3 Cloughfin.
Leinster Contest: Last Saturday saw the Leinster Pipe Band Championships in the grounds of Newbridge House, Donabate, Co. Dublin. Conditions on the day were ideal however there is no point ‘beating around the bush’ – the band entries were disappointing from both the IPBA and RSPBANI. In 4B Carrigaline dominated lifting the band and drumming prizes with visitors German Thistle 2nd and Youghal 3rd. In 4A Black Raven lifted both of the main prizes with Moneygore second and New Ross third. McNeillstown took both prizes in 3A as did St Joseph’s Clondalkin in G2. In the Drum Majors Charlotte Ruddock beat off the challenge of Louis Anderson in the Adult section. Rosie McKinstry won the Junior with Harry Cupples 2nd, Willow Rose Elliott 3rd, Molly Bell 4th and Charley Davidson 5th. The Novice section was won by Charlotte Adamson
New President: Mrs Betty Booth is the new NI Branch President. On 16 April 2025 at the Ulster Solo Championships in Cookstown, Winston Pinkerton, the previous incumbent, ceremonially passed on the Chain of Office to Betty. Betty is a well-known and respected figure in the Northern Ireland pipe band community, particularly within the County Fermanagh Section.
The Branch is extremely grateful to Winston for his many years of dedicated service, not just in the role of Honorary Branch President but many others that he has served with so much dedication. The Branch warmly welcomes Betty as she begins her tenure and look forward to her continued contribution to pipe bands across the organisation.
Charity Cash: The recent Kids with Cancer Charity concert at the Royal Hotel, Cookstown, raised £14,018. This takes the combined total raised at these concerts to a magnificent £89,055. Not all money promised has been donated yet, but if any more comes in it will be used for next year’s concert. The organisers very much appreciate the support of everyone who performed, donated, sponsored, attended and helped the show. I think Gary and his team deserve many congratulations for the sterling work they do to put on this annual concert for such a worthy cause.
- If you have any news from the piping and pipe band scene you’d like to pass on to Gilbert please email him here.
