Category: History

Northern Ireland Piper of the Year Results and Comment

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When, in the early 80s, I first ventured to a then much-Troubled Northern Ireland there was a decided paucity of piobaireachd in the Province. Few played it; pipe bands scorned it. A small ember of hope remained thanks to the oxygen of interest from the likes of Norman Dodds and Ken Stewart. What a lonely furrow they ploughed. Undaunted, their efforts, and that of teachers such as Andrew Wright and,…

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Leading Pipe Band Judge Responds to Recent Comments on RSPBA Training Procedures

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As I was mentioned in Friday’s article on the training of pipe band judges, I’d like to clarify my journey in joining the ranks of RSPBA piping adjudicators. There are some inaccuracies being stated as fact and misconceptions around the adjudicator training programme. By Ross Walker When I retired from playing, I was invited to attend a two-day weekend workshop at the beginning of 2017 followed by a series of…

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Glengarry Cup, Ottowa, Results

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On Saturday, September 28, the Ottawa Branch of the Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario held the Glengarry Cup. The piobaireachd contest was held in the afternoon followed by the MSR contest in the evening. Judges for both events were Brian Williamson and Bob Worrall. This edition was once again held on the same weekend as the National Police and Peacekeepers Memorial events on Parliament Hill, which brings in…

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Editor’s Notebook: Training of Pipe Band Judges/ Lewis & Harris News/ RSPS 1978/ Letters

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A comment has been made about Iain McLeod, five times winner of the Worlds with Edinburgh City / Lothian and Borders Police, refusing to judge for the RSPBA because he was asked to ‘quantify his experience’ as our correspondent put it. From what I remember it was more than that. He and other leading men of the time (late ’70s, early ’80s), RG Hardie, John Weatherston, were also asked to…

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NI Piper of the Year/ Shotts Concert/ Balmoral Classic

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The Northern Ireland Piper of the Year competition will take place in the Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena, this Saturday, 28th September, writes Ken Stewart. This event has been in existence since 1979 and is an invitation only competition. Pipers who have featured in prizelists at various events throughout Ireland during the current year are invited to take part. The competition comprises both Piobaireachd and March, Strathspey & Reel. Each competitor…

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