Watch: Mid Ulster Pipe Band Championships in Cookstown

In truth the biggest result of the day was probably for the organising Mid-Ulster Section who managed to stage their anniversary event in what were exceptionally difficult weather conditions.

The rain simply dominated the day, rarely letting up until it was too late.

Ultimately, the march past finale had to be cancelled, however, the presentation of prizes did take place in the indoor facility at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena.

In the competition arenas Cullybackey were the sole competitor in grade one and therefore walked away with all the prizes on offer.

In grade 2 Bleary & District swept the boards taking first place along with the prizes for best pipes, drums and bass section. The PSNI took second place with Aughintober in third.

It was a tight call in grade 3a where Ballybriest and Annsborough tied on seven points each and could only be separated on ensemble preference. Ballybriest took top spot along with prizes for best drums and bass section leaving Annsborough second with the prize for best pipes. Tullylagan were placed third while fourth place went to Quinn Memorial, who are back competing after a period out of action.

Alyson McKnight’s Thiepval Memorial band, from Donegal, were the runaway winners of grade 3b and are on course for an unbeaten season.

They were placed first overall and collected prizes for best pipes, drums and bass section. Second place went to Matt Boyd Memorial on ensemble preference ahead of Colmcille in third with Achill fourth.

Another band winning lots of prizes was Closkelt, who won grade 4a by an impressive 10 point margin. The Co Down band was first in the grade and won the piping, drums and bass section prizes. Second place went to Cleland Memorial, with Marlacoo third and Battlehill fourth.

Portavogie were the winners in grade 4b taking first place ahead of Killen & District, Whitewater and Broughshane. Killen shared the prize for best pipes with Gorey, Co Wexford, with McDonald Memorial landing the drumming and bass section prizes.

It was not an easy day for drum majors, however they battl ed on and the winners of each section were Abigail Wenlock (Cullybackey), Zoe McDowell (Aughintober), Lauren Abraham (Raffrey) and Samantha Gordon (Field Marshal Montgomery).