The South East Solo Piping and Drumming Championships made its debut in New Ross last month, hosted by the New Ross and District Pipe Band. This marked the first time the event was held outside of its usual Carlow and Gorey locations. The championships took place at the state-of-the-art Bunscoil Rís, making it a proud day for Brian Mac Mahon, the pipe band leader, especially as he had once served as the school’s principal.
Mr. Mac Mahon, who was deeply involved in the creation of new primary schools in New Ross, including Bunscoil Rís and the Catherine McAuley Junior School, expressed his pride in bringing his lifelong piping and drumming colleagues to the very facility where he had once served. “I got a real kick out of bringing many of my lifetime piping and drumming friends to the New Ross facility, where I had the honor and privilege to be its first principal,” he shared, emphasizing that the excellent facility was a key factor in hosting the event.
The logistics of the solos were managed by a dedicated team from the New Ross and District Pipe Band, including Bid Ryan, Anne Marie Walsh, Antoinette Carbery, Mary Rowe, and Tony and Phil Wallace. Chairman Matt Ryan acknowledged the hard work of the backroom team: “The chairperson often gets the plaudits, but it’s the backroom team who do the real work.”
Visitors to New Ross on the day praised both the excellent facilities and the seamless organization of the event, expressing hope that the championships have found a new home in the town.
One of the highlights of the day was the participation of world-renowned Pipe Major Alen Tully from the Saint Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band in Dublin. Known globally as one of the top pipers and pipe band leaders, Tully’s family also participated in the event. He presented medals to all the winners and offered valuable advice to many of the young pipers.
The New Ross and District Pipe Band had six competitors, and Mr. Mac Mahon praised the young players for their impressive performances. The local medal winners included: Mai Donovan (1st in Practice Pipes), Jakub Vesely (2nd in Under 14 Piping), Jodi Fanthom (1st in Under 18 Piping), Laila Kutay (1st in Under 16 Tenor Drumming), Jessica McDonald (2nd in Under 16 Tenor Drumming), and Ruth Carbery (2nd in Under 14 Tenor Drumming).
Mr. Mac Mahon extended his gratitude to Lead Drummer Paul Connolly and piper Matt Ryan for supporting the young drummers, as well as to school principal Gerry Moran for the use of the fantastic facilities.
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