Mark drums his way to success in All-Ireland contest

A RATHFRILAND teenager is celebrating after clinching the All-Ireland Drumming title at the All Ireland Solo Piping and Drumming Championships held in Belfast at the weekend.

Mark Kinley (13), a pupil at Rathfriland High School, brought back the Tommy Merrigan Shield after finishing tops in the Under-14 section of the competition held at Monkstown Community School in Newtownabbey on Saturday.

It was a huge honour for the local school boy who drums with Moneygore Pipe Band and also takes solo lessons frpm drumming expert, Sammy Smith, who drums with Gransha Pipe band.

Proud mum Deborah spoke to the Leader on Monday as she was making her way to the High School with the sparkling new trophy under her arm.

“It is a great achievement for Mark and the school want to have a peek at the trophy,” she said.

“We are all delighted for him as he this is only his second year competing in this competition.

"He participated last year and came home with third place, so it was brilliant that he picked up the major title this time, particularly as the competition was very stiff and there were 17 talented drummers in the section.”

Mark played a four-part march and impressed the judges with his rhythm and timing.

“He has been drumming since the age of eight and loves it,” added Deborah.

“He practises twice a week; it can be noisy around our house sometimes!”

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