Northern Ireland Bands

Here is an Article published on another website,

http://www.pipesdrums.com/Contents.aspx?M=News&AT=News&AID=15241

It refers to My own band being promoted to grade 1, and mentions that there are now 5 Grade one bands in Northern Ireland, the highest per head of population in the World.

It set me to wondering, Why is this?

A little more wondering, and I thought to myself what is the winning ratio for Northern Ireland Bands in major Contests?

Taken in order they are as follows, all out of 5 major contests, all 2007:-

Grade 1 --- 4 wins from 5
Grade 2 --- 5 wins from 5
Grade 3a --2 wins from 5
Grade 3b -- 2 wins from 5
Grade 4a -- 4 wins fron 5
Grade 4b -- 1 wind from 5

For a total of 18 out of 25

Plus 2 bands from South of Ireland, Cullen and Arklow had a win each, making the Irish total 20, out of a possible 25.

That's an 80% win ratio, and NI has half the population or less than Scotland, so the per capita ratio is even higher.

A couple of questions occur,

1. Is the balance of piping excellence shifting (or has it already shifted) from Scotland to Ireland?

2. If so, why is this?

I have a couple of ideas why it might be, and will submit later in the thread,but would be glad to hear other members views and reasons for and against,

Cheers:cheers:

Gordy top thread, having played in Scotland and NI I feel i am in quite a good position to make an educated answer. The biggest differenc that I noticed when competing in local comps is NI at the time all the bands were there week in week out in Scotland if you look at minor comps the big bands play at 2 or 3 and even then they pretty much know who has won, SPPB verus TPPB SPPB every time not putting Tayside down. When I was with RUC we gave FM a run for theur money week in and out and beat thm once or twice. I know FM were not out much this year. Also the attitude of 90% of the bands no matter what grade was more proffessional than over here. I do think that at present the balance of power has swung to NI however if you take FM and Slot out of the equation the G1 bands at present are not right up there at the top end of G1. This not including Cullybackey as they have just been promoted. I also know Coan are under new management so wait and see what they do next year. I do however miss the season from the province enjoyed all the competetions even the ones that I should not have been at!!

This is not meant as a slurr to the bands that are not at the tops of their grades at all. Also this does not take into account Canada, us adn aus n/z if these countries came over on mass every year who knows where G1 could go, again I know there are the usual suspets who travell every year but what about the bands that don't worth thinking about. Also SFU are one of the few bands that can match fm on piping ability and are prob the most consistent band in the world just they tend to fomish 2nd.

I think you gave the answer yourself Bondy, I can remember even when I played with the Polis, it was only certain smaller comps we went to, whereas when i was with East Kilbride it was more or less every week?
I believe that in Scotland the GIs as you say only go to certain comps, for whatever reasons, and that is why the standard is moving away from Scotland? but again I am not actively involved and could be totally wrong

You are not wrong the other problem that the top bands this includes NI and Canada is their players are travelling from far and wide a lot of time out of their own pockets which also limits the bands ability to compete. However wherever you are the paying public would like to see a proper G1 comp even if Shots FM were not at full strength for local comps. Polis obviously different as they do have a large no of serving cops so they are bound by shifts etc. If the smaller G! bands compete more regularly they would naturally become more competitive, nerves etc get less. Look at Gordy's band Cullybackey G1 Cof C NI because they compete week in week (hope they continue now they are G1 LOL). They also have a very high number of young player so the future for them is very bright, also I have always liked them so am slightly bias.

Am in total agreement, too many bands perhaps rely on players as you say from all corners of the globe, and like you I feel that even if they were not at full strength, just their name alone would perhaps encourage interest. However by the same token I can understand that they would not like to appear and be beaten by some unknown, just because they did not have their full squad maybe a case of what came first ? "the Chicken or the egg?"
Dont know what the answer is? does anyone?

Got to agree wi both Bondy and Dai here, the FMM do have enough members to compete at local contests, likewise I'm sure do Shotts. The SPPB on the other hand are an operational band ie:- public duties PR engagements and continue to serve as police officers, again there are quest members playing with the SPPB but on the whole they are and do remain a police band first.

Having said this, they have and still do compete at local contests as and when operationally possible.

@Bondy, ref' the 'Backey. This band has always been known for a good pipe corps m8, good band overall. Not a lot of people are aware of the hard work and commitment that has put this band where they are today ( having been here you probably do m8 ) they were down and out for many years all be it for a few hard core members who refused to quit, slowly but surely they have fought back through some hard times. Far too many bands throw in the towel far too early IMO.

Cullybackey have achieved a greater feat than most people will know. Great bunch a lads under good leadership 'n I just hope it continues for many years to come.

Thanks Iain,

As you say, a lot of hard work,

But praise from experienced Players in very much appreciated

It gives the kids a further boost

Thanks

Me and Glen went over to the worlds 2000 i think? when I was with McNielston and he was with the backey went down to thier practice and was well impressed back hen very young core but you could see the potential. I really wish you all the best for G1 hopefully you can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact with the leadershp there and the talent not a doubt in my mind that you will!

Hard work over the winter,

Well on at present, 2MSR's in the box, number 2 medly in it as well

Starting on the new medly and one to ones at the moment

Have new medly ready to go in 3 weeks

On pipes mid december, Just ion time for the break


Cheers

Looks like you have won half the battle already.You'll need to pm me the tune lists m8

bondy wrote:Looks like you have won half the battle already.You'll need to pm me the tune lists m8

You interested??

Yes intrested in what you guys are playing don't think it is really feasible to join due to my work comitments and travelling to NI. Could look into to it for next season pos

Gordy88 wrote:

bondy wrote:Looks like you have won half the battle already.You'll need to pm me the tune lists m8

You interested??

is that what they call poaching??

only kind of I'm in a differnet postcode

bondy wrote:only kind of I'm in a differnet postcode

Hold you to next season,

Bound to be an airport close to Lossiemouth,

As Bernard said in Yes Minister, 'Lossiemouth, isn't that a Dogfood'

No and yes there i Inverness and and Aberdeen not a million miles away lol

Make sure you get expenses Bondy? I'll be your agent??

cheers dai 20% sound fair?

Hmmmm?? well I was only going to ask for 10? but okay you forced me

No Percentage,

But we'll sub your air fairs, and you can snog the pipe major

He might like the furry mitten lol

Snog i an do but unfortunately the furry mit has been retired lost it's fluff