Council Chair hosts reception for Irvine Memorial Pipe Band

Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception for Irvine Memorial Pipe Band in recognition of the Band becoming the Grade 4a World Pipe Band Champions.

The following is the Chair’s speech which was made at the reception:

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to the Townhall, Enniskillen for this reception in honour of Irvine Memorial Pipe Band, Grade 4A World Pipe Band Champions.

Irvine Memorial Pipe Band has been established on the pipe band circuit for some time and I understand that you started competing again in 2022 following a break from competitions.

In just over 2 years, you have enjoyed great success with 2024 being your most successful year.  On 06 July 2024 you were crowned All Ireland Pipe Band Champions in Newbridge and this was followed with an Ulster Championship title which you won in Cookstown on 03 August 2024.

All roads led to Glasgow, the global home of piping, for the World Pipe Band Championships on 17 August 2024.  The competition saw over 7,000 pipers and drummers from approximately 204 bands and 13 countries compete in the various Grades.

You had an early start on competition day with your first qualifying round at 9.08 am.  However, you did not let this deter you and you qualified for the 12 band final.

A World Championship title is something every piper and drummer dreams of and you achieved this dream standing on the field in Glasgow.  I know that this would have a been a truly unforgettable experience and particularly as this was your first time to win the coveted title.

There was great excitement back home and you had a fitting homecoming in Fivemiletown with crowds lining the street.

Playing a musical instrument and being part of a band teaches you musical skills but it also has many other benefits including widening your social circle, improving your wellbeing and building your confidence.  Each of you play your own part in the band, however, you have to perform together with such precision in time, quality of sound and step.  Achieving this to a world class standard is truly remarkable.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to valuing and enriching our heritage including our cultural heritage and bands such as Irvine Memorial Pipe Band help us to achieve this.

I would like to commend Pipe Major Neil Stronge and Drum Sergeant Nicky Armstrong for the high standard of tutoring and thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge with the members to allow them to experience this level of outstanding success.

I also commend each and every member of the band for your skill and your commitment to attend the weekly practices, which I know can be difficult alongside your personal and work commitments.  You have all done yourselves, your family and friends, the band, the county and the District proud.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate Irvine Memorial Pipe Band on your World Pipe Band Championship title.  I wish you every success for the future and I am confident that you have the talent and commitment to bring home more World Championship titles.

Thank you.