Heart of Down Contest Brings Curtain Down on the NI Branch Season

Donard Park in Newcastle, County Down, was the setting for the Heart of Down Pipe Band Championships, the final event of the RSPBANI Branch outdoor competition season and also the conclusion of the 2022 Champion of Champions league calculated on the five competitions over the summer.  The competition had the largest entry of bands and drum majors at any local contest this season and there was also a largely attended…

Lorient Results: MacCrimmon Trophy and Piobaireachd

The day after securing the lucrative MacCrimmon Trophy, Northern Ireland’s Robert Watt completed a very successful visit to the Lorient Festival in Brittany by taking first in the Piobaireachd competition as well. The runner-up was once more the Province’s other outstanding piper at the festival, Andrew Carlisle. Ceòl mòr results were as follows: 1 Robert Watt, Corrienessan’s Salute 2 Andrew Carlisle, Lament for the Earl of Antrim 3 Derek Midgley,…

Newtonmore Games Results

Seven played in blustery conditions in the land of Calum Piobair. Piobaireachd winner P/M Ben Duncan is pictured with the Dr Kenneth Mackay Piobaireachd Trophy. Piobaireachd (3 tunes)1. P/M Ben Duncan (Lament for the Children)2. Angus MacPhee (Old Men of the Shells)3. Callum Wynd (End of the Great Bridge)4. Matt Pantaleoni Judge: John Don MacKenzie March (3 tunes)1. Angus MacPhee2. P/M Ben Duncan3. Matt Pantaleoni4. Callum Wynd Strathspey & Reel (3…

The 70s Tribute Band and How the Idea Was Formed

The official press release on the 70s Tribute band, reported on PP earlier, was released today….. Some time ago an idea was hatched, by a few people who had competed during the 1970s, to acknowledge the initiative of the members of the then Scottish Pipe Band Association who introduced a Medley competition as the format for the World Pipe Band Championships in 1970. By Ken Stewart Prior to this all…

Editor’s Notebook: John MacLellan Dinner/ Alex MacIver Book/ Scottish Championships/ Dunvegan Medal/ Blas Festival

Douglas Gardiner, President of the Eagle Pipers’ Society: ‘Would you mind publishing that we are closing the sale of tickets for the Captain John MacLellan Dinner at 23.30hrs (BST) on Sunday 14th August? ‘We have been very pleased with ticket sales so far but a few more will ensure our Treasurer can sleep easier.  ‘Tickets are priced £50 and can be bought here. The selected pipers and their tunes are…