30th August 2009

Field Marshal Montgomery put the disappointment of losing out on another world title firmly behind them as they won the last Major of 2009 the Cowal Championships in Dunoon. Grade 1 seen a familiar result as FM once again beat St Laurence O'Toole to top spot and claim the Champions of Champions prize. The drumming prize on the day went to Shotts & Dykehead which helped the band to claim third place overall.

Meanwhile Inveraray & District made it the perfect season by winning the Grand Slam of majors and winning all five championships in grade 2 during 2009, an achievement that was also made at the Cowal Championships by Thiepival Memorial who secured their fifth major of the season in grade 4B. Full Results Click Here

Scottish Champions of Champions Click Here

23rd August 2009

As ever the seaside resort of Portrush would play out the end of the contest season in Northern Ireland for the North West Championships with the Northern Ireland Champions of Champions titles also to be decided. In grade 1 Field Marshal Montgomery would win the grade overall along with best pipes, drums & bass. They where followed by Cullybackey in second and Ballycoan in third.

Grade 2 only seen an entry of two bands, Ravara continued their form by beating Seven Towers to win the grade and also best drums. Grade 3A World Champions Killen had to settle for runners up spot as Howard Memorial took the win along with best drums and bass. Full Results Click Here

Northern Ireland Champions of Champions Click Here

16th August 2009

The Pipe Band community descended itself on Glasgow Green for the biggest day of the year, The World Pipe Band Championships. As usual much anticipation surrounded the Grade 1 contest, but Simon Fraser University put the end to their fellow competitors hopes by successfully defending their 2008 title. Field Marshal Montgomery had to settle for runners up spot with St Laurence O'Toole breaking into the top three with third place. The Drum Corps of Simon Fraser University also repeated their success from 2008.

Grade 2 favourites Inveraray & District also put a strong performance in to ensure them of the grade 2 title and continue their 100 percent record in the 2009 major championships. Annsborough would finish a respectable 15th out of a 26 band grade. There was success for local bands in the other grades with Killen winning 3A and there was double success for Co Donegal with Letterkenny & District and Thiepival Memorial winning their respective grades and drum corps title.

Northern Ireland would get a full sweep in the Drum Major Championships with Kathy Megarry Calvin, Linzi Hamilton & Lauren Abraham all being crowned as World Champions in their respective groups. Full Results Click Here

8th August 2009

One of the most popular venues returned this season at Donard Park, Newcastle to hold the Ulster Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships. The Competition would certainly have an international feel to it with Scottish Power, LA Scots and Australian Highlanders making the trip for a shakedown before next weeks World Championships in Glasgow.

It would however be the home grown talent of Field Marshal Montgomery that would set the standard in grade one winning the overall grade, best pipes and best drums. They where followed closely by St Laurence O'Toole. In Grade 2 Ravara put a few more trophies in their cabinet by winning the grade and also best pipes, drums, and bass section. Annsborough would get another prize in fourth place.

Grade 3A seen Aughintober getting the top spot with Co Cork band St Finbarrs in second place. 3B once again seen Castlerock has being the dominate force in that grade winning overall and best pipes with Colmcille picking up the best Drum Corps prize. Full Results Click Here

1st August 2009

The winning Bass Section

The Pipe band movement returned to Castle park in Bangor for the North Down Championships first time since 2007, due to the Ulster Championships hosted at a different venue in the seaside town in 2008.

Annsborough Bass section has had a strong record at the North Down Championships, picking up the prize for Best Bass section in four of the last five appearances. 2009 would be no different with the Bass Section again winning the prize for Best Bass Section in grade 2, The Drum Corps has a whole where happy with second place to Ravara. Annsborough as a band finished in third place overall, in a grade that seen Seven Towers win over Ravara in second place.

In grade 1 Cullybackey snapped up victory from Ballycoan, Cullybackey winning the Piping and Ballycoan winning the prize for best Drum Corps and Bass Section. Seven Towers and Ravara took the opportunity of an open grade and finished third and fourth respectively. Full Results Click Here

25th July 2009

Field Marhsal Montgomery enjoyed more success oversea's at the European Championships in Inverclyde, making it three out of three major championships this year. They where followed by St Laurence O'Toole in runner ups spot who are finding the FM a though nut to crack in 2009. However the Drum Corps of St Laurence managed to add to the Scottish title they won in May with the European title.

In Grade 2 Inveraray & District also continued with their hundred percent record with another overall win in grade 2 with the Constabulary of Dumfries and Galloway coming second and also winning the drumming. In the other grades, Howard Memorial, Quinn Memorial, Thiepival Memorial and Drum Major Matthew McKinney all made sure they brought silverware back across the water by winning their respective grades. Full Results Click Here

4th July 2009

The All Ireland Championships would be held north of the border this year in the City of Lisburn. A popular venue that has always attracted large crowds, being used mainly for Major Championship events such as the European Championships in 2008.

Once again tuning conditions where difficult with very changeable weather conditions and the odd rain shower. Field Marshal Montgomery would notch up another All Ireland title ahead of defending champions St Laurence O'Toole although the drum corps of St Laurence O'Toole successfully defended their 2008 title by winning the best drumming prize. Cullybackey where placed third ahead of Ballycoan in 4th.

Grade 2 seen Ravara pick up the honours with the overall win and best drums and bass. Seven Towers came 2nd with the bonus of best pipes and Killeen where placed third. Annsborough came 4th in the grade, Another solid result for the band and encouraging for the pipers to be placed 2nd by one of the piping judges. Full Results Click Here

27th June 2009

Rifle Park in Banbridge played host to the 2009 British Pipe Band Championships, the first time since 2005 a Major Championship was held in the Co Down town.

Changeable temperatures played havoc for the tuning preparations of many bands but luckily had dry conditions for most of the day. In Grade 1 Field Marshal Montgomery notched up another title for 2009 by winning the overall grade and the prize for best Drum Corps. In second spot was Shotts & Dykehead with defending British Champions St Laurence O'Toole in third.

Grade 2 was dominated by the performance of Inveraray & District who achieved 1st places from all four judges. In runners up spot was Ravara with Glasgow Syke happy in third place . Annsborough took encouragement with a good solid performance and their first Top 10 placing in a grade 2 major Championship..

21st September 2008

The All-Ireland Solo Piping and Drumming Championships returned to the north of the border and took place in Rathfriland High School, Co Down. An entry of over 100 competitors promised to be a great day of piping and drumming and it didn't disappoint.

Andrew Carlisle of Field Marshal Montgomery took the win in the senior piping with fellow band member Jonathon Greenless in 2nd spot followed by Allen Tully of St Laurence O'Toole. The same three men would also share the prizes in the Piobaireachd but with Jonathon Greenless getting the win on this occasion.

In the senior drumming Stephen Creighton added another All-Ireland title to his CV with Steven McWhirter in 2nd. There was more good news for Annsborough's Eoin Rogers, he won the Golden Certificate in the under 12 Drum pad competition, adding to his Ulster success from April.

Result below

Piping

Drumming

31st August 2008

The Cowal Championships in Dunoon seen the end of another season and would also decide the outcome of Champions of Champions for many of the grades.

The Cowal Championships also seen a Titanic battle in Grade 1 between Field Marshal Montgomery and St Laurence O'Toole. Both bands ending up level on points but Field Marshal would be awarded the win on ensemble preference leaving St Laurence O'Toole to settle for runners up spot. However it wasn't all bad news for O'Tooles as 2nd place was good enough to clinch the Champions of Champions in grade 1.

Grade 2 seen Torphichen & Bathgate return to their winning ways. With the absence of Ravara, Torphichen & Bathgate had the Grade 2 Champions of Champions wrapped up for both the overall band and drum corps. Grade 3A seen Mackenzie Caledonia win their 4th major of the season. The grade seen a three way tie for 2nd spot, Clydebank was awarded the place on ensemble preference. Click here for Full results

23rd August 2008

Portrush once again closed the curtains on another successful season for the Northern Ireland Branch of the RSPBA, and an opportunity for those bands who are making their way to the Cowal next week to prepare for the last major of the season. Northern Ireland Champions of Champions would also be decided with many of the grades still wide open in this competition.

As predicted Field Marshal Montgomery would win grade 1 overall, but Ballycoan's Drum Corp produced the result of the day by winning the best drums in the grade. Ballycoan where also overall runners up with Cullybackey in third. Ravara ended their local season with another win in grade 2 and also best drumming with the Bass Section of Seven Towers claiming the Best Bass prize.

Howard Memorial ended their season on a high by winning grade 3A with Aughintober in 2nd, enough for Aughintober to claim the N.I Champions of Champions title in the grade. The Drum Corps of Killen was also triumphant by winning best drums in the grade and also securing the N.I Champions of Champions Drumming title. Click Here for Full Results

18th August 2008

Simon Fraser University from Vancouver, Canada, marched off Glasgow Green as World Champions of Grade 1 and also as World Drumming Champions.

It was an epic battle in the grade between them and Field Marshal Montgomery but SFU done enough to pick up their 5th world title. In 3rd spot was Shotts and Dykehead with Boghall & Bathgate in 4th. St Laurence O'Toole and Strathclyde police would make up the prizes with 5th and 6th respectively.

As predicted by many people Grade 2 seen a three way battle. Brittany outfit Bagad Cap Caval finished on the top of the pile with Ravara in 2nd and Torphichen & Bathgate in 3rd who also won the best drumming. Annsborough finished 15th out of 22 entries, a satisfying result for the bands debut season in grade 2.

Other Northern Ireland bands came away with their fair share of silverware especially Colmcille who ensured that the 4A World title came back to Northern Ireland and in the same grade St Lawerence Howth from Co Dublin won the best Drum Corps. Also Drum Major Brian Wilson enjoyed victory in the Senior Drum Majors final. Click Here for Full Results

9th August 2008

The 2008 season seen another new venue, this time at Ward Park in Bangor instead of the usual Castle Park venue. that has been used for the North Down Championships in recent years . However this time the occasion was the Ulster Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships.

It would also be seen as the last chance for the bands to fine tune their performance for the World Championships next weekend. Field Marshal Montgomery stamped their authority on grade 1 by winning both the MSR and Medley competitions to give them the overall win. Ballycoan came 2nd with oversea visitors Australia Highlanders in 3rd.

Grade 2 seen Seven Towers turn the tables by winning the overall grade ahead of Ravara in runners up spot and Killeen in 3rd, Annsborough added to their trophy cabinet with 4th place. Aughintober finish on top of the pile in grade 3A and Cullenfad where happy with their result in grade 3B by winning the grade and best drum corps. Click Here for Full results

2nd August 2008

Annsborough's Bass & Tenor enjoyed their first success in grade 2 by winning the Best Bass & Tenor Prize at the East Antrim Championships in Ballyclare, it also helped the band to win another trophy in grade 2 by coming 4th place overall. The grade was won by Ravara with them also winning the drumming and Killeen in overall 2nd with Seven Towers in 3rd.

Grade 1 only seen an entry of two bands Ballycoan and Cullybackey. Ballycoan won the grade and also the best drum corps and bass section. Cottown took the honours in grade 3A with Howard Memorial in runners up spot and Aughintober in 3rd. Killen won the drumming prize in the grade and this pushed the band into an overall 4th place. Click Here for Full Results

26th July 2008

For once the Northern Ireland weather kept up and produced an enjoyable Major Championship at Lisburn and it was local band Field Marshal Montgomery who took glory in the sunshine and getting their season back on track by becoming European Champions.

Not only did Field Marshal bounce back but their Drum Corps also won the European drumming title; their first Major Championship since 2005. St Laurence O;Toole came in as runners up but remain in a strong position in the Champions of Champions table. Shotts & Dykehead was third with Boghall & Bathgate in 4th.

In Grade 2 Ravara ended the domination of Torphichen & Bathgate by winning the grade and also best drum corps. Torphichen & Bathgate finished in 2nd spot with their drum corps also finishing 2nd in drumming. Grade 3A was won by MacKenzie Caledonia repeating their success from Birmingham. Grade 3B seen one of the closest results ever, all top three bands tied on same amount of points and had to be separated by ensemble preference. McNeilstown where the victors with Augharonan in 2nd and Raffery in 3rd.

Unfortunately Annsborough did not attend the European Championships, due to a logistical error with the delivery of the entry form to RSPBA HQ, this resulted in the form not arriving before it's deadline and Annsborough having to sit out on this occasion. Click Here for Full Results

7th July 2008

Annsborough Pipe Band where happy with their result at the All-Ireland Championships in Ennis, Co Clare. The Band secured a place in the grade 2 prizes by coming 4th out of six bands. Killeen where the overall winners in the grade putting a stop to Ravara's unbeaten run in the Northern Ireland season.

In Grade 1 St Laurence O'Toole continued their 2008 form by beating Field Marshal Montgomery to 1st place and successfully defending their 2007 title. St Laurence O'Toole also won best drums and bass section. FM ended up as runners with Ballycoan in 3rd and Cullybackey 4th.

Grade 3A seen Aughintober taking the title with Killen in 2nd spot. Howard Memorial Drum Corps won the drumming in the grade helping the band to gain 3rd place overall. 3B was won by McNeilstown with Raffery in 2nd and Augharonan in 3rd place and also claiming best drums. Click Here for Full Results

29th June 2008

With the band deciding to miss the trip to Birmingham for the British Championships it was a great excuse for Annsborough to head for Howth, Co Dublin and get another crack at the Medley Selection before next weeks All-Ireland Championships in Ennis..

It was the 48th Annual East of Ireland Pipe Band Championships hosted by the St Lawrence of Howth Pipe Band. Although it was a small entry, Howth always provides a great day out in the magnificent setting of Howth Promenade.

Annsborough where up against their old friends of Arklow Pipe Band. Arklow won the grade overall but the Drum Corps of Annsborough where happy to get their first win in grade 2. The Bass & Tenor was also awarded the best Bass & Tenor Section of the day. Click here for Full Results

28th June 2008

St Laurence O'Toole repeated their success from Dumbarton and secured their second major Championship at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham in the British Pipe Band Championships.

St Laurence O'Toole won the grade convincingly with Shotts & Dykehead in second spot who also won best drums, Strathclyde Police was in third spot. 2007 Champions Field Marshal Montgomery where unfortunate when Pipe Major Richard Parkes suffered a problem with his pipe bag on the line, they finished up in 6th and to cap off an eventful contest the Vale of Atholl where disqualified for playing the wrong set.

In Grade 2 Torphichen & Bathgate also repeated their win at the Scottish by beating off Glasgow Syke by a single pont. The Drum Corps of Torphichen & Bathgate had double celebrations by winning the best drums. Click Here for Full Results

21 st June 2008

It was a great disappointment for everyone in the band to notice that Annsborough where not included in the grade 2 draw for the European Championships in Lisburn. After some investigating it seems that even though the entry form was sent off to RSPBA HQ, a logistical error has occurred during the journey to its forwarding address.

Annsborough have had great success at the European Championships in the past few years particularly on home soil. Lisburn was indeed the scene of the bands first Major Championship victory in 2004, a title that was successfully defended at Banbridge in 2005.

21st June 2008

The crowd at the Co Down Championships in Banbridge unfortunately did not enjoy the sunny weather that has been experienced in recent competitions. Heavy rain fell for most of the afternoon causing the organizers to cancel the
grade 1 medley competition and also only called the centre bands into the march past.

The rain however did not but a dampener on St Laurence O'Toole performance during their March, Strathspey & Reel. They won the overall grade, beating Field Marshal Montgomery. O'Toole's also won the best drum corps and best bass section. Cullybackey and Ballycoan completed the prize list in grade 1 in 3rd and 4th respectively.

In grade 2 Ravara continued with their winning ways with another full sweep with the overall win and best drums and bass. Killeen came 2nd with Arklow in 3rd and Seven Towers coming 4th. Unfortunately Annsborough ended up just out of the prizes in 5th but the Drum Corps came away happy with a solid 3rd place in drumming . Cottown was the band to beat in 3A obtaining their second win of the year. Killen got 2nd in the grade with Howard Memorial coming 3rd. Click here to View Full Results

14th June 0008

The Mid-Ulster Championships at Cookstown seen a healthy entry of almost 50 bands and over 40 Drum Majors. However it was normal service in the top grades as St Laurence O'Toole's and Ravara proved to be the bands to beat in their respective grades.

St Laurence O'Toole won grade 1 overall and also took best pipes, drums and bass. Cullybackey continued with their debut season in grade 1 by snatching 2nd spot from Ballycoan who finished 3rd. In grade 2 Ravara got the overall win along with best pipes, drums, bass and also M & D to complete a full sweep. Killeen secured runners up spot ahead of Seven Towers in 3rd place and Annsborough completed the prize list with 4th place.

Grade 3A seen a closed fought battle amongst Killen, Aughintober and Cottown with only two points separating the top three but Killen would finish at the top of the grade with their drum corps also picking up the best drum corps prize. Aughintober claimed 2nd and Cottown in 3rd place. Grade 3B seen Raffery getting their 3rd win of the season ahead of McNeillstown. Click Here to View Full Results

12th June 2008

7th June 0008

The Co Antrim section introduced Larne as a new venue for the Co Antrim Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships. Accompanied by glorious weather the new venue seemed to have gone done well amongst the large crowd..

Grade 1 seen a three way battle for the top spot amongst Cullybackey, Ballycoan and Scottish visitors Lothian & Borders Police. All three bands where tied on points, but it was Grade 1 new comers Cullybackey that edged out the other two on ensemble preference. Lothian & Borders Police where next in line for 2nd overall and Ballycoan in 3rd. The Drum Corps of Ballycoan took the drumming prize and best Bass Section.

Ravara kept their momentum going from last week at Enniskillen by winning grade 2 overall. Killeen came in 2nd and also picked up best Drum Corps prize. Aughintober and Raffery also continued their great start to the season with another win in their respective grades.

Unfortunately due to other commitments Annsborough has been unable to attend the last two competitions, But will be back in action next week at Cookstown for the Mid-Ulster Championships. Click Here for Full Results.

31st May 2008

The Broadmeadow in Enniskillen hosted the Co Fermanagh Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships. A venue that was only introduced last season and is already turning into a popular one amongst players and spectators.

To make things more interesting, Grade 1 was an open grade with grade 2 outfit Killeen joining Ballycoan and Cullybackey. It would be Ballycoan who done a full sweep of prizes, winning overall, best drums and bass. Cullybackey had to settle for 2nd place with Killeen in 3rd.

Grade 2 seen a two way battle between Killeen and Ravara. It was Killeen who managed to beat off Ravara for the overall win, although Ravara's Drum Corps and Bass section would pick up their prizes in the grade. Grade 3A was won by Killen with the Drum Corp of the Howard Memorial winning the drumming prize. Grade 3B once again seen Raffery, Cullenfad and Augharonan fighting it out, Raffery getting the overall win on this occasion. Click Here for Full Results

24th May 2008

Levengrove Park in Dumbarton once again hosted the Scottish Championships, the first of the major championships of 2008 and it would be St Laurence O'Toole who would throw the first blow of the major championships by their winning first grade 1 major title.

O'Tooles have been a consistent top six contender for sometime, but their surprise win seen them get the better of the big three; Shotts, Field Marshal Montgomery and Srathclyde Police who finished 2nd, 3rd & 4th respectively. The rest of the prizes seen Boghall & Bathgate getting 5th place and Scottish Power in 6th. The Drum Corp of House of Edgar (Shotts) secured the drumming.

In grade 2 Torphichen & Bathgate came out on top with Killeen in 2nd spot and Ravara in 3rd, also winning the drum corps prize. Northern Ireland Bands locked out the top three places in grade 3B with Cullenfad getting their first win in the grade, followed by Raffery in 2nd and Augnaronan in 3rd. Click Here for Full Results

17th May 2008

As is in recent years the Annual Pipe Band Championships at Banbridge High School would provide the season opener, but for the first time ever the competition was held outdoors instead of the traditional indoor contest. This was due to the cancellation of the Malahide contest.It did however give the bands an opportunity to have a run out before the Scottish Championships next week.

Field Marshal Montgomery opened their account for the 2008 season with a win over St Laurence O'Toole with Ballycoan in 3rd and Cullybackey in 4th. The drum corps of Field Marshal Montgomery also picked up best drums.

Annsborough made their debut in grade 2 and sneaked into the prizes with 4th place, but there was no stopping Ravara who won the overall grade and best drums, Killeen came 2nd overall with Seven Towers in third spot. Grade 3A winners where Cottown and in 3B Raffery got the perfect result with the overall win and best drums. Click Here for Full Results

5th May 2008

With another long winters practice behind everybody the countdown to 2008 outdoor season as thoroughly begun. However the start to the new season will be slightly different compared to that of previous years.

With the cancellation of the Malahide competition it was decided by the N.I Branch to move the Banbridge indoor competition to the date of 17th May and hold it as an outdoor competition. This will give the bands a chance of a final shakedown before the Scottish Championships.

With almost 50 bands entered, it is promising to be a great day with four grade 1 bands on the draw including the big two of Field Marshal Montgomery and St Laurence O'Toole. Annsborough will be making their debut as a grade 2 contender, the band will be playing first of four bands in the grade at 15.50

20th April 2008