Major Sinclair Memorial have announced that Glenn Cupples (pictured above) will lead the band as Pipe Major for the 2027 season.  This follows an announcement from P/M Nigel O’Neill that he is stepping down from the role. In a statement the band expressed their gratitude to Nigel for his commitment and expertise over the last five years which has seen the band go from strength to strength. He ends his…

On 24th September the All-Ireland & JAC Solo Piping & Drumming Championships took place at Cookstown High School. What a day it was for Field Marshal Montgomery duo James Frazer and William Glenholmes. They took the senior piping and drumming titles despite stiff opposition. James took the piping title by winning favour with both adjudicators ahead of Alastair Donaghy and John McElmurry. John was the winner of the Piobaireachd A…

Newcastle’s Donard Park was the venue for the final RSPBANI Branch outdoor competition of the season which included the final of the Champion of Champions competition. While it was a little cold in the early part of the day the warm afternoon sunshine provided ideal conditions for the competitors and the large body of spectators at what is one of the most scenic venues below the towering Mountains of Mourne. Local…

Recently there was the return of the popular series ‘The Band’ on BBC Northern Ireland television which has three episodes and should now be available on iPlayer. The series marks USA 250 by exploring the stories of people who emigrated from Northern Ireland to America and Canada and found friendship and belonging through their passion for bands.  The series follows Danielle Hamilton Cooper from Cookstown, who emigrated to Philadelphia after…

On Saturday past, the 79th All-Ireland Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships took place at St Catherine’s Park in the village of Lucan, County Dublin. While there was a strong wind blowing across the arenas in the morning, it became quite pleasant and warm as the day went on. The big winners were St Laurence O’Toole (pictured top) who claimed their 9th Grade 1 title, pushing Field Marshal Montgomery into…