|
Scott Gajdos who is on
holiday from Long Island, New York city will
have more than a passing interest in
Saturday's competition. Scott is a grade 1
piper and although not competing he will be
visiting the European Pipe Band
Championships and the World Championships in
Glasgow before returning home. Scott is the
nephew of well known Lisburn businessman
Tommy Anderson.
AMONG the thousands who will turn out to
enjoy the European Pipe Band Championships at the weekend no-one
will have been looking forward to the event more than Lisburn's
First Citizen Councillor Ronnie Crawford.
Ronnie will not just be at Lagan Valley
Leisureplex in his capacity as Mayor, but as a long standing and
enthusiastic supporter of pipe banding.
He is the former President of the Northern
Ireland Branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Bands Association and
says he can't wait for Saturday's event.
"I am a big supporter of it" he said. "I
can't think of any other organisation the same size that has
such terrific inter community links. The com- munity relations
are first class."
There are a large number of pipe bands and
drum majors entered for the championships, and many thousands of
competitors and their followers will travel to Lisburn to
support and compete at this event.
Mr Crawford said Lisburn has had long links
with pipe banding and praised the Northern Ireland Piping and
Drumming School, based in Railway Street, saying it has been
"instrumental in raising the standards of piping and drumming of
Northern Ireland bands".
He is encouraging as many people as possible
to go along and enjoy the day.
He said: "This really will be a big spectacle
and I would encourage people to come along. Entry is free and
the grand finale shouldn't be missed. All the bands play
together and the sound is fantastic. There is nothing quite like
it. All we need is the good weather.
"I would also say to look out for the big
battle between the reigning Grade 1 world champions Field
Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band and the St. Laurence O'Toole Pipe
Band from Dublin. It should be fantastic."
 |
 |
|
At the launch are Mariad Wilson,
Piper, Annesborough Pipe Band, Ryan Ferry, Drum
Major, Aughintober Band & current European title
holder & Jonathon Greenlees, Piper from Field
Marshall Montgomery Pine Band, current World
Champions. |
Emma
Barr, a Drum Major from Ravara Pipe Band will be
competing in the European Pipe Band Championships |
Ulster Star
25/07/2008
 |
