Pipe bands drum up success

A NORTHSIDE pipe band piped their hearts out at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, 70 years after the first competition took place.

Approximately 35 members of the St Lawrence Pipe Band in Howth travelled to Scotland to compete in the world’s largest annual piping competition earlier this month.

On the first day of competition, each band played a march, strathspey and reel type tunes in order to qualify for the finals the following day with all performances played outdoors in Glasgow Green, a park in the city centre. 

In respective order, St Lawrence’s selection of songs were the 25th KSOB, Dornie Ferry and Major David Manson but unfortunately, this was not enough to qualify the band for the final round of the competition.

However, other Irish representation fared well as, not to be mistaken with Howth’s band, the St Lawrence O’Toole’s Pipe Band, from Tallaght, finished third in the Grade 1 class, while winning the World Drumming section of the Championships.

St Joseph’s Pipe Band from Clondalkin also played proudly, finishing third in the Grade 3 level. Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, from Northern Ireland, were crowned the World Pipe Band Champions for 2016 as they fought off stiff competition.

Over 230 Pipe Bands brought around 8,000 pipers and drummers to Glasgow Green to compete at the event with over 35,000 people attending over two days.

Noel Kelly, Pipe Major for St Lawrence Pipe Band in Howth, described the incredible atmosphere during one of the most anticipated events in Glasgow’s cultural calendar. 

“The atmosphere is very special around Glasgow on this particular weekend,” he said. “It is an international atmosphere.

“With the piping community, everyone sort of knows everyone else so there is a friendly and family atmosphere each year at it.”

St Lawrence Pipe Band always welcome new members to their practice sessions every Monday and Wednesday from 7.30pm-10pm in the Old School on Balkill Road in Howth.

Newcomers will be eased into the piping process by experienced teachers. Noel and Agnes Kelly are experts in the piping department while Derek Doyle and Maurethe Leonard teach the drumming side. “Everyone is welcome to attend even if you just want to watch the band,” added Mr Kelly. Call Noel on 083-1520816 for more information.

REPORT: Brein McGinn