Achill Pipe Band article_Layout 1 15/11/2013 10:38 Page 1
Achill Pipe Band
On The March
By Irene Gielty
Following the exciting
Grade 3B Heats the
achievements of 2012,
relatively young Achill
Achill Pipe Band
Pipe Band was up
approached the 2013
against the “big guns”
Competition Season with
and qualification for
much more modest
the final it self
expectations. Promotion to
seemed almost beGrade 3B meant a
yond reach. However
considerable jump in the
the band put in a brilAchill Pipe Band on Glasgow green
standards expected and
liant performance in
at the world championships in August
complete new settings of
weather conditions
tunes had to be learned and perfected. The
typical of a Patrick’s Day in Achill – rain, rain
scourge of emigration also took its toll on the
and more rain! Whether they qualified for the
band as some members departed Irish shores final or not, they felt they had given it their best
to work elsewhere in the world. However the
shot and they awaited the results. There were
members set to the task in hand and practice
great celebrations some 3 hours later when
sessions continued through the long winter
the judges called out the name of the first pipe
nights, as the band prepared for the new
band into the final – Achill Pipe Band. The final
grade. Modern technology enabled practice
followed and they finished in the top 8 in the
sessions to take place over the internet using
world. In the 6 years of its existence so far, the
Skype! In addition to learning new material
band has collected a string of honours and
the band also had to upgrade equipment to
has twice been promoted up the piping grades
enable it to
– Achill is well and truly on the Piping Map!
compete effectively in its
The Pipe Band members would like to
new grade.
acknowledge the continued support and good
Applications
wishes of the people of Achill, both at home
were made to
and overseas. The Band would not be able to
South West
travel and compete without the generous fiMayo Develnancial support of all. We also thank our travThe supporters club
opment Com- at the world championships elling band of supporters, those who work
pany to
behind the scenes and the many Achill emiaccess funding under the Rural Development
grants who travel to competitions to cheer on
Programme. We were very lucky to be
the “lads and lassies” from home!
assigned Sabina Trench as our Project
Here’s to
Development Officer and she worked
2014…….
tirelessly with the band to ensure our
Keep in tune
applications were successful. The band
with the Pipe
purchased a complete new set of drums and
Band on
Facebook!!
pipe chanters and are grateful for the funding
support which made this possible.
Given the challenges of playing at this
higher standard the band decided that the
main focus of their season would be The
World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow
Green. With 25 Pipe Bands competing in the
Achill Link 2014
The Final Countdown