New faces at top on local pipe bands
Pipe Bands by Mervyn McConnell
CHRIS Getty has stepped down from his role as Pipe Major with Finvoy Pipe Band from Co. Antrim.
Chris led the band from Grade 4B right through to promotion at the end of last season to Grade 2. They dominated the Grade 3A section at home and also won the European, Ulster, and All Ireland, ending with the ultimate victory of winning the world championships in August.
Although Chris has resigned his role of Pipe Major he will still be playing with the band and will lend his expertise to his successor Robert Black.
Robert was Pipe Sergeant with Finvoy and now steps up to lead the band into the Grade 2 competition field. This will be a big challenge for this young man but it is one he promises to be very capable of succeeding at.
Another change at the top is at Hollymount Pipe Band from outside Ballynahinch, who compete in Grade 3B. Taking over the role of Pipe Major is talented solo piper Alistair Murray from Comber.
Alistair has played with Grade 1 Ravara Pipe band for several years and has gained much experience with them, which he will put to good use with this new challenge.
The band has many young learners whom Alistair hopes to encourage and bring to the fore, and along with the players he has will hope to build a strong band to compete next season.
An invitational piping solo competition has been arranged for Saturday 13th November in The Fort Hotel Dungannon commencing at 1 pm.
This event has been organised by Pipe Major Sean Faloon for several years now and has always been a popular event for soloists. Adjudicator will be Fred Morrison from Scotland, who is a brilliant solo player and who has won every major title in the solo piping field. Contact Brendan Murphy for further details on 077185 22126.
Killadeas Pipe Band would like to hear from anyone who would be interested in taking over the role of Pipe Major in their band.
Last year was their first year in Grade 2 and they had a fairly successful season in which they were placed in several competitions. They competed under Pipe Major Brendan Murphy who has now stepped down from this post.
Please contact Ken Booth for further details on 6632 4078.
The Co. Antrim section held their AGM recently in the Adair Arms Ballymena and the meeting was chaired by Winston Pinkerton.
Voted into the President's position was Ballymena Councillor and former Lord Mayor Mr T. Nicholl, who paid tribute to outgoing President Tom McCarroll.
Tom was a hard working member of the Pipe Band Association and the Co. Antrim section is indebted to all his efforts in promoting interest in piping and drumming through out the British Isles and Ireland. Much praise was given to the successful Co. Antrim bands who won world titles in Glasgow in August. Namely Finvoy in Grade 3A;Seven Towers in Grade 3B and McNeillstown in Grade 4B.
Members of the section who were voted into office were Winston Pinkerton Chairman; J. Dickson Vice Chairman; George Ussher Treasurer and new secretary P. Pedlow.
Three long serving members of the RSPBA were presented with Honorary Life memberships recently. George Summors and Wilson Young were recognised for their services to the Adjudicators' Panel and lain Duncan for services to the Music Board.
Chief Executive Ian Embelton said: "There can be no three individuals involved with the Association more deserving of this recognition than these three men. They will be extremely difficult to replace and on behalf of everyone I thank them for their efforts over many, many years."
Ulster Star
22/10/2004
