A packed gym hall at the Lusk National School north of Dublin saw Ashley McMichael of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band crowned All Ireland Champion Piper for 2019. Ashley is pictured above with his trophy. There was more success for Field Marshal in the ‘A’ piobaireachd where Scott Wallace triumphed with his rendition of the King’s Taxes, and in the ‘B’ MSR where Alastair Donaghy came out on top. In…

The blurb: The very best dru​​mmers from top pipe bands around the world are back in Glasgow to compete for honours at the World Solo Drumming Championships 2019!   This year’s championship will take place on Saturday 19 October at Glasgow Caledonian University. Musicians will be tested in two events; March, Strathspey and Reel, and Hornpipe and Jig. The champion will be the drummer with the highest aggregate scores after both…

We have just concluded our biennial conference of Pipe Bands Australia. All members of the national management committee were re-elected: President Chris Earl, Secretary Steve Patterson, Treasurer Tim Bodey, Committee Tony Bidgood and James Cowie The current principals of college were also re-elected viz. Piping: Brett Tidswell, Drumming: Dean Hall, Drill and Dress: Tony Bidgood, Rules and Administration: Jamie Forsyth. The Principal Ensemble position, in which Brett has been acting…

Dr J David Hester, the noted ceol mor student and campaigner, has died. Dr Hester was the inspiration behind the AltPiob website which strove to encourage piobaireachd playing in an alternative style. A notice on Dr Hester’s Facebook page reads: ‘It is with profound sadness that [we announce] J. David Hester, husband of Mary C Gardella, father of Cassiel and Anael, son of Jim and Dee, brother of Micah, and…

The rain stayed off for most of the day for the final Highland games of the season. Twelve played in the seniors, 11 in the juniors. Callum Wynd played an outstanding set to win the March, Strathspey and Reel, the judges reported. Pictured above are the junior winners Archie McNab (l) and Cameron May. Overall prize went to Brian Lamond. MSR (three of each asked for)1 Callum Wynd, John MacFadyen…