McCausland hails Northern Ireland's success at the World Pipe Band Championships

Culture Minister Nelson McCausland has congratulated the Northern Ireland Bands on their success at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.

The Minister said: “The spectacular success of our Pipe Bands, including Field Marshal Montgomery and Ravara in grades 1 & 2 is further confirmation of the exceptionally high standard of pipe band music in Northern Ireland and is a magnificent achievement for all those involved in the competition.

“It is a testimony to the quality of the bands and a credit to the Northern Ireland Branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. The results in Glasgow demonstrate that we have a large number of bands which are truly world-class.

My congratulations go to the many Pipe Bands from across Northern Ireland who have returned with a range of silverware from their success in the various classes. All the hours of hard work and practice have reaped a rich and well deserved reward.”

The dominance of Northern Ireland Drum majors in the drum major competitions was particularly striking, with the top six positions in the Junior section, the top three in the Juvenile section and the top three in the Senior section.

The Minister continued: “This high degree of success is a reflection of the enthusiastic support for piping around Northern Ireland and we can all be justly proud of each band’s achievement. With approximately 100 registered Pipe Bands in Northern Ireland and a number of world champions, it is clear that the quality of musicianship is second to none. These results are a testament to the time and effort which the players devote to their music."

The Minister recently attended the 58th Ulster Pipe Band Championships in Newcastle where there were competing bands from countries such as the United States and Australia.

In conclusion he said: “Pipe Bands are an important part of our cultural offering in Northern Ireland and we are privileged to be hosting the European championships for three years from 2011 to 2013. It is also my hope that we will have the opportunity to host the World Championships in the future and to show the international audience what we have to offer in terms of location, hospitality and of course world class Pipe Bands.”

Notes to Editors

1. Northern Ireland successes in the World Pipe Band Championships included:

Grade 1 - The Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band – 2nd place.

Grade 2 – Ravara Pipe Band – 2nd place.

Grade 3a – Killen – 1st and other local bands were 3rd, 4th and 5th.

Grade 3b – Castlerock – 2nd and Manorcunningham (East Donegal) – 5th.

Grade 4a – Ulster Bands took top five positions.

Grade 4b – Ulster Bands took top three positions.

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