Northern Ireland: Major Sinclair/ Irvine/ Banbridge/ Tullintrain/ Jack Seaton

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…

Northern Ireland: All Irelands/ Piper of the Year/ Piping Societies/ Down Academy

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…

Lochnell Piping Championship Results and Report

This prestigious, invitation-only contest for solo pipers aged under 22 was held on Saturday, October 10th, at Lochnell Castle, Benderloch, Argyll, courtesy the Earl of Dundonald. The overall champion at the 6th annual competition was Thomas Fallon from Edinburgh. Thomas is 19 and this was his first appearance at the Lochnell. He is a piper with Field Marshal Montgomery. By Robert Wallace He is pictured above with Magnus Stone (l),…

Northern Ireland: Heart of Down/ C of C/Closkelt/

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…

Braemar Gathering Results – Updated with Comment and Pictures

One of the last Highland games of the summer was held in cool, dry conditions at Braemar today (September 5). HM King Charles and HM Queen Camilla were in attendance, continuing a royal tradition dating back to the time of Queen Victoria. The king of the piping boards was overall champion Zephan Knichel, Canada – with the coveted piobaireachd Gold Medal going Ben McClamrock, USA. By the Editor First on…