It was unfortunate that after weeks of beautiful weather it should break just when the 2025 pipe band season got underway at the County Fermanagh Championships in Enniskillen. Not all bands or drum majors experienced the inclement weather, but that was really by good fortune.
The adjudication panel were Willie Garrett and Richard Parkes MBE (Piping), Gordon Parkes (Drumming), Mark Wilson (Ensemble), David Brownlee and Alicia Dickson Hamilton. Ravara, on their first outing at this level since their promotion last year, won Grade 1 unopposed. They gave an excellent Medley performance which was much appreciated.
IPBA band St Joseph’s, Clondalkin had a comprehensive win in Grade 2 ahead of four Grade 3A bands who played up. Major Sinclair Memorial had a six point margin in winning Grade 3A with a strong showing in drumming and ensemble, while Cloughfin, third, found favour with both piping adjudicators.
Syerla also had a few points to spare in winning 3B ahead of Drumlough who won the drumming and ensemble. Thiepval Memorial found favour with all four adjudicators in 4A ahead of Graham Memorial. Unfortunately, three of the bands entered were unable to compete.
It was a great day for the Bready Ulster Scots (pictured above) in 4B. They were awarded top marks by all four judges. It was also a special day for the band’s 14 year old lead drummer Bobby Moore, the youngest in their 96 year history, as his corps won the drumming prize.
Mid Ulster Results
Despite predictions of inclement weather, the Mid Ulsters enjoyed a wonderful day with only a three minute shower causing any problems. Held at the Cookstown High School, the competition was moved to the top playing fields due to ongoing work at the usual site, however this venue proved to be an excellent location.
There was an entry of thirty two bands who were adjudicated by an experienced team comprising William Garrett, David Middleton, Richard Parkes MBE and John Reville (Piping), Ian Lawson and Keith Orr (Drumming), Colin Moffett and John Moles (Ensemble) and Ian Scott and Colin Turtle (M&D).
Carrigaline from Cork won 4B while Moneygore had a few points to spare over four bands who tied on the same points. Drumlough won 3B while Matt Boyd Memorial, on their first outing of the season, triumphed in 3A. The Grade 1 tussle between County Down bands Closkelt and Ravara ended with Closkelt claiming first prize while Ravara lifted the drumming.
Moira Demesne
Lisburn & Castlereagh Championships took place last Saturday at Moira Demesne but sadly, like the rest of Northern Ireland, it experienced extremely poor weather throughout the day. Massed Bands had to be cancelled with the prize giving held in a marquee thus saving any further soakings.
In 4B the Queen Elizabeth band found favour with all four judges scoring straight ‘ones’, whilst in 4A it was Cullen from County Cork who triumphed with Down Academy taking the drumming.
In 3B, Syerla continued their good form also winning the drumming, although they were in a three-way tie with Drumlough and Upper Crossgare for the best pipes award. Major Sinclair Memorial from Doagh dominated 3A lifting all the prizes bar the M&D. Clogher won Grade 2 with Cloughfin awarded the drumming prize. The entry of forty three drum majors was reduced to thirty five through withdrawals.
George Ussher MBE
Many congratulations to George Ussher, Life Ambassador and former RSPBANI Branch Chairman. George has been awarded the MBE in HM The King’s Birthday Honours List for services to the RSPBA.
A great servant to local pipe bands, his contribution to the broader worldwide movement, as firstly Chairman of the RSPBA parent body and then President from 2003 until 2024, brought about a significantly more business-like approach to the association and an increased profile particularly through the World Pipe Band Championships.
- If you have any news from the piping and pipe band scene you’d like to pass on to Gilbert please email him here. Full contest results on the RSPBANI website.
