Ravara claim Lisburn & Castlereagh Grade 1 title as Lauren Hanna wins top Drum Major

Organised in partnership with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch, the glorious sounds of pipes and drums graced the air last Saturday (1st August) when approximately 83 pipe bands and drum majors battled it out to be crowned the 2015 champion.

There was stiff competition from across Northern Ireland and Ireland with competitors entering the arena in the hope of first class performances.

Local Pipe Band, Ravara took the major honours in Grade 1, with a win over Cullybackey Pipe Band, while Bleary and District Pipe Band from Armagh came out on top in Grade 2.

In Grade 3A, Closkelt Pipe Band were awarded first place with Drumlough Pipe Band from Hillsborough coming a close second. Upper Crossgare Pipe Band took first place in Grade 3B as did Marlacoo and District Pipe Band in Grade 4A and Portavogie Pipe Band in Grade 4B.

As many as 40 Drum Majors expertly marched and flourished to the beats of pipes and drums while demonstrating true professionalism and flare.

In the Adult section, Lauren Hanna from Drumlough Pipe Band took first place, having competed in an extremely tough section.

Zoe McDowell from Aughintober Pipe Band won the Juvenile section, while Jamie Cupples from Killeen Pipe Band came first in the Junior section and Abigail Wenlock from Cullybackey Pipe Band coming out on top in the Novice Juvenile section.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett, was Honorary Chieftain of the Championships, and took a salute from all 43 pipe bands as they paraded in the Championship Final.

Speaking at the Championships, the Mayor said: “Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted once again to host the Pipe Band Championships in partnership with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.

“I feel extremely privileged to have been asked to be Chieftain and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing some of the finest piping and viewing the colourful spectacle of the competition.

“I am delighted to have been part of such a prestigious event and would like to thank the Northern Ireland branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association for all their hard work in ensuring a successful event.

“I hope everyone had a fantastic day, a very enjoyable stay and also have had the opportunity to experience the friendliness and hospitality of the people of Moira.”

Chairman of the Development Committee, Alderman Allan Ewart also commented, “It is fantastic that the Council has once again successfully hosted another Pipe Band Championship.

“Approximately 3,000 pipe band followers and supporters descended on Moira Demesne in what was a fantastic day out for all the family.

“This event not only put Lisburn & Castlereagh on the events map but allowed us to showcase our superb facilities.

“I would like to congratulate the Northern Ireland Branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association for organising such a great event.”

To view a full list of results, you can visit the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch website www.rspbani.org

n see pages 31-34 for all the pictures of the 2015 championships