A New Ross resident has garnered attention for his remarkable achievements in music, marking his presence on the world stage.
Fionn Murphy, a talented young drummer from New Ross, has had an impressive few months. In September, he clinched third place in the Senior Grade at the All-Ireland Solo Piping and Drumming Championships held in Lisburn, Co. Antrim. Just a month earlier, in August, he was a member of the St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band from Dublin, which was awarded Best Drumming in Grade 1 at the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.
Not only is Fionn a champion within Ireland, but he is also recognized as a World Champion at the highest competitive level. The World Pipe Band Championships are often referred to as the ‘Olympics of pipe bands,’ drawing around 220 pipe bands from across the globe. Competing in Grade 1, known as the ‘crème de la crème’ of the competition, Fionn faces many musicians regarded as virtuosos in their art of piping and drumming. It is an extraordinary accomplishment for someone so young to participate at such an elite level.
Fionn began his drumming journey with the New Ross and District Pipe Band at just nine years old, debuting by playing ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ alongside the CBS Primary School Choir during the Christmas Carol Service. Since then, he has steadily advanced, collecting numerous prestigious awards with the New Ross and District Pipe Band. His talents caught the attention of one of Scotland’s top Grade 1 bands and Ireland’s sole Grade 1 pipe band—the esteemed St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band in Dublin.
Choosing to remain in Ireland, Fionn joined the St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band, where he has flourished under the guidance of renowned drummer Stephen Creighton.
In addition to his band accomplishments, Fionn has secured multiple All Ireland solo drumming championship titles at the Juvenile, Junior, and Intermediate levels. Despite his busy practice schedule with the St. Laurence O’Toole band, he makes time to perform at local events with the New Ross and District Pipe Band.
Fionn’s rhythmic talent is undoubtedly influenced by his family; his father was a drummer with both the New Ross FCA Pipe Band and the New Ross and District Pipe Band, while his mother, Margaret North, was a champion Irish dancer. Both parents take great pride in Fionn’s achievements, as do his friends and colleagues in the New Ross and District Pipe Band.
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