In glorious sunshine, the sound of pipe music filled the Enniskillen air on Saturday as 44 bands and 40 drum majors from all over Ireland attended the 2009 Fermanagh Pipe Band and Drum Mayors Championships.

The spacious grounds of the Lakeland Forum were an ideal venue for the championship and proved to be very popular with all the bands taking part.

Spectators also turned out in force for the annual event, organised by the Fermanagh section of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.

Fermanagh was represented by Enniskillen Pipe Band, who made their competition debut last Saturday.

Enniskillen Pipe Band was under the direction of Pipe Majors Cecil Jones and leading drummer George Gordon, the drum corp being taught by leading drummer Kim Gunn. The host county was also represented by the Irvine Memorial Pipe Band, under the direction of pipe Majors Neil Strong, with the Irvine Memorial band wearing the McBeth tartan.

Fivemiletown Pipe Band returned to the competition arena for the first time in 16 years. Fivemiletown Pipe Band was under the direction of Pipe Major Kenny Morrow. All three bands played in the grade 4B competition.

All three bands gave creditable performances, with Fivemiletown Pipe Band achieving third place winning the Fuel and Lubricant Cup.

Derryclain Pipe Band represented the host county in the grade 4A competition wearing the Royal Stewart tartan and under the direction of Pipe Major Gordan McKeown and leading drummer Richard Moore. Derryclain Pipe Band achieved 5th place in grade 4A and won a shield for the best Marching and Department in the grade.

Lauren McKeown, from the Derryclain Pipe Band, competed in the Novice Drum Majors Competitions and achieved an excellent third place.

The important and ceremonial role of 'Chieftain of the Day' was performed by Mr Tom Noble.

Jim Henderson, President of the Fermanagh section, paid tribute to the effort of a small but energetic section committee.