Northern Ireland News: Ulster Championships Blow/ Bereavements/ Blackthorn/ Irvine Mini Bands/ Leinster Contest

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The RSPBANI Executive has announced that Mid & East Antrim Council has withdrawn funding for the Ulster Championships, due to take place at Ballymena Academy on the 3rd August.  RSPBANI Branch Chairman Alastair Patterson expressed the disappointment of the Branch whilst fully understanding the funding difficulties within councils. The Branch is appealing to bands people and their supporters in Mid & East Antrim to speak with their councillors to ensure…

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Mike Cusack Honoured at American Pipe Band Championships/ Wheel of Fortune Result

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Virginia International Tattoo American Pipe Band Championship was held last Saturday, April 20, at Scope Plaza, Norfolk, Virginia, in excellent conditions, writes Andrew Carlisle, Artistic Director. Each year at closing massed bands, we like to honour somebody who has dedicated a lifetime to piping, drumming and pipe bands. Previous recipients include giants of piping that are unfortunately no longer with us: Pipe Major Sandy Jones and Jimmy McIntosh MBE. For…

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Editor’s Notebook: Bob Hardie Recording Comments/ Larkhall Piping Job/ Breton Canntaireachd/ Euro Drums

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Several responses to the Bob Hardie recordings and my comments thereon published earlier this week. I agree with the message that he rushed the crunluath doubling somewhat in his Corrienessan. Maybe he felt the drones were moving. Overall an excellent rendition though. Next up was Iain Bruce in Queensland who helpfully identified the air Bob played. Iain wrote: ‘It is Mull of the Mountains. It was often played by Bob…

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Wheel of Fortune Contest/ Results from London and South East Mini Bands and Solos

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The popular Pipe Major’s Wheel of Fortune competition will be held this Sunday, 21 April, at Danderhall Miners Club, Midlothian, at 12 noon. It is promoted by the City of Edinburgh Pipe Band. Admission is £15 and £7.50 (under 16). Invited pipers are: Cameron Drummond, Ben Duncan, Craig Muirhead, John Mulhearn, Angus Nicolson, Ciaren Ross, Craig Sutherland and Callum Wynd. Judges are Ian Duncan and Robert Barnes and the audience. Band…

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Northern Ireland News: Bangor Welcomes the UKs/ St Mary’s/ Ardmore Cup/ RSPBA Regradings

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The official launch of the first RSPBA Major contest of 2024, the United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships, took place recently in Bangor. The contest is on Saturday, 18 May, at Ward Park, Arras, Bangor. The RSPBA Northern Ireland branch are hosting the event in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council. The Championships will feature some 1,500 musicians in 75 bands. At the launch, Mayor Jennifer Gilmour, said: ‘Ards…

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