The latest minutes of an RSPBA Directors meeting which took place by video conference on Saturday 4th October indicate the dates of four of next season’s RSPBA Major contests, namely the British on 30th May at Ingliston, Europeans on 27th June at Perth, Scottish on 25th July in Dumbarton, and the Worlds on 14th/15th August at Glasgow Green.
Only four majors, but no mention of a United Kingdom Championships and nothing in Northern Ireland which is extremely disappointing.
I personally thought that this would be an ideal opportunity for the NI Branch to have a major given that it is moving into its 75th year.
Another significant event taking place in NI this year is the second ever promotion of the All-Ireland Fleadh which will be held in Belfast from the 2nd – 9th August.
There will be a significant amount of funding provided for this event, and with Ulster Scots events becoming more prevalent within the Irish folk scene, particularly the Belfast Fleadh, it would have been an ideal time to bring the UK Championships to Belfast.
I have been unable to obtain any information from the NI Branch at this time other than for them to advise me that RSPBA Majors are the responsibility of Headquarters – however I understand that some discussions may have taken place with the Belfast City Council although this may well be relating to the Ulster Fleadh only.
The interesting thing is that the minutes indicate that the playing requirement details for 2026 are being withheld until final confirmation of the number of Majors although an announcement will be made at the end of November.
Hopefully, something will materialise that brings about a fifth major and that it is here in Northern Ireland, a place which supports such events in large numbers.
Blackthorn Pipers Society
The Society held their second outing of the year on Wednesday, October 15th in the Ulster Scots Community Building at 1-9 Victoria Street, Belfast BT1 3GA. The guest piper was James Frazer from Rathfriland who had a successful time on the solo piping scene this year claiming the MSR prizes at the Ulster Championship and the NI Piper of the Year.
In Scotland he had a first in the Competing Pipers Association B Grade MSR and second in the Bronze Medal Piobaireachd, whilst in October he gained fourth places in the B Grade Piobaireachd and MSR at the Captain John MacLellan Memorial Solo Piping Competition in Edinburgh.
James played with the newly promoted Ravara in Grade 1 this year, however he will return to the Field Marshal Montgomery for the 2026 season. James put on a great performance which was enjoyed by a good attendance.
So popular has the Blackthorn Pipers Society become with pipers wishing to play a tune or two that it has been necessary for the organisers to request that if they wish to play they should make contact prior to the event to ensure that they can be fitted in. The guest piper for Wednesday 19th November will be Jason McAllister.
Causeway Coast
October saw the inaugural Causeway Coast Piping Society meeting take place in Ballymoney, County Antrim, with Kris Coyle as their guest piper. Kris recently won the 2025 Piper of the Year competition. A great evening was had by all, with a few chats over a cuppa, making new friends along the way. The group were also entertained with a few tunes from Ben Greeves and Graham Stirling during the evening.
The second outing took place on Friday 14th November 2025 in the Old School House, St Patrick’s Church, Ballymoney. The guest piper was Mark Hasson who has had success as a solo competitor winning numerous All-Ireland and Ulster Solo Championships as he progressed through the grades. In recent years he has performed with Manorcunningham contributing to their All-Ireland and Ulster Grade 2 wins in 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, he has joined the renowned St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band.
- If you have any news from the piping and pipe band scene you’d like to pass on to Gilbert please email him here.
