The sound of pipes and drums will ring out in Enniskillen this weekend. And for the first time ever. Enniskillen Pipers will be taking part in their own tournament.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) Fermanagh Section competition takes place in the grounds of the Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen on Saturday 30th May.
Other local bands in the competition include Derryclavin Pipe Band, The Frederick Irvine Memorial Pipe Band (Clabby), Moybrone Pipe Band and Fivemiletown Pipe Band.
Cecil Jones is Pipe Major with Enniskillen Pipe Band and he is also a former Chairman of the Fermanagh Section of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. His Pipe Sergeant is Mark Johnston and his Drum Sergeant (Lead tip) is George Gordon.
STOOD DOWN
Before he stood down as Chairman of the RSPBA one thing Cecil did was move the competition to the Lakeland Forum (Broadmeadow.
There, it is proving very popular for both spectator and competitor alike, and it added a new lease of life to a popular event with the backdrop of both Enniskillen Castle and Lough Erne adding to the setting.
Cecil explains that when he took over Enniskillen Pipe Band in 1999 there were only four members. There are now 40 people in the band.
Enniskillen will be competing in Grade 4B in the upcoming competition which Cecil described as the 'starter grade'.
On the day, Enniskillen Pipe Band will field 10 Pipers, a Bass and two Tenor Drummers and a Side Drum core of six.
Bands of all grades will be taking part in the competition along with forty-five bands, many from across the border, with thirty-six drum majors competing there on the day.
Pipe Majors for the Fermanagh bands include William Stinson (Moybrone), Neil Strong (Irvine Memorial) and Kenny Morrow (Fivemiletown).
Derryclavin Pipe Band are entered in the Grade 4A competition under direction of Pipe Major Gordon McKeown. A member of the band, Drum Major Lauren McKeown will compete in the Novice Section while Enniskillen Drum Major David Brownlee will be one of the adjudicators at the championships.
Tom Noble, the Principal of Erne Integrated College, will be Chieftain of the Day. Tom, who will be well looked after by the Fermanagh Section, will witness the march past (Led by Enniskillen Pipe Band) whereby all the bands and Drum Majors march into the arena and form up to play as a massed band the, "Salute to the Chieftain".
So, people can enjoy the sight of 45 Bands with as many Drum Majors, boasting a sea of different tartans, as beautiful a sight one could see.
Cecil is now hoping the event goes well, admitting, 'it can be a bit daunting just wanting it all to go right on the day'.
Enniskillen Pipe Band wears the Cameron of Erracht Tartan which it has been wearing since its inception in 1923. With the band having grown so much, new uniform was required for the competition costing up to £1,400 per individual to kit out. Fund-raising has been ongoing in preparation of the contest with their annual band parade held on 8th May this year hosting 16 bands and raising £325.00.
Their cap badge depicting Enniskillen Castle is from the 6th Inniskillings Dragoons and is worn with special permission from the Regiment.
The Enniskillen Pipe Band are playing an arrangement of three popular 4/4 marching tunes, Molly Darlin, The Rose of Allendale and The Rowan Tree.
Practising for the contest hasn't been easy, given the number of engagements the band participates.
Already this year, they have done four concerts, paraded in Sligo and Mohill on St Patrick's Day, held their own parade and they will be attending two other parades prior to the contest. In all, they are expecting to complete at least 25 outings this year.
Practice nights are Monday nights (Learners/Band) and Thursday night's (Band only). Anyone wanting to join the band can give Cecil a ring on 028 855 48806 or 07533979404.
