Tullylagan Pipe Band

Tullylagan Pipe Band held its Golden Anniversary with a Scottish Night in the Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown.

Almost two hundred guests attended the celebration dinner.  The special guests were the five surviving members of the original band - Messrs Joe Warnock, Harry Montgomery, Matt Warnock, Rob Scott and Tom Swaile.

Two former members also returned "home" for the occassion, Stanley Swaile from Rhodesia and Desmond Nesbitt from Calfornia.

The Chairman for the evening was Mr John Turkington of Sandholes.

The Chairman of the Northern Ireland Scottish Pipe Band Association, Mr Alistair Gray, congratulated Tullylagan Pipe Band while Dr Billy Gamble of Newmills, a former member, gave a resume of the History of Tullylagan Pipe Band.

Joe Warnock and Mrs Warnock cutting the cake at the 50th Anniversary

Kenny Henry presents Mr Jack Warnock with a token of appreciation at Tullylagan Pipe Band Dinner.  Mr Warnock teaches the pipers in the Band.

Mr Hugh Scott greets Mr Joe Warnock at Tullylagan Pipe Band Dinner.  Mr Warnock is the band's instructor.

There are many Pipe Bands in Ireland and their music it is fine

But the Band from Tullylagan is really in its prime.

Their pipes and drums play music they've got a lovely tone

And the Boys in Tullylagan Band are the pride of all Tyrone.

This year they went to Scotland, Stranraer to be exact

The tension and excitement their, it really had us wrecked.

The results were announced and the tension ceased

For the "Lagan" had done it again

The Cheer that went up when they won the Cup brought tears to the eyes of men.

No matter where they travel, be in North, South, East or West

The cock of the North, is the tune you'll hear from the Band I love the best.

So here's to the Ulster Champions you are my favourite Band

May the years that follow be as good as the fifty that you've had.

I wish you health, I wish you wealth, may you win cups galore

This message comes from my heart

How could I wish you more?

Dr Billy Gamble of Newmills who is a former member gave a resume of the History of Tullylagan and Mr Stanley Swaile of Rhodesia read the Roll of Honour of former members who had passed to their eternal reward.

The band then marched in playing a salute, and several items which were warmly appended.

A programme of dancing following interspersed with selections by pipers from St. Patricks, Donaghmore, Ballynahinch, Dromora and Old Maestro Joe Warnock.  The singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem concluded  a memorable occassion.

Speaking on behalf of the band, Mr Jim Warnock said that had it not been for the wonderful support they enjoyed over the years from the people of the district, it would probably have been impossible to reach that milestone in their History.

The band still enjoyed great popularity and at the same time they were most fortunate to have an excellent  Ladies' Committee who worked extremely hard for the good of the Band.

An abbreviated History of the Band was read by Dr William Gamble.

Mr Stanley Swaile, an ex-member of the band who is on holiday from Rhodesia read the name of deceased members and all present stood as a mark of respect.

Mr Joseph Warnock paid tribute to the devoted service rendered to the Band by three members - Mr Kenny Wilson, Drum Instructor; Mr Tommy  Henry and Mr Jack Warnock, who teach the beginners piping - and presentations were made to them.

A gift was handed over to Mr Joseph Warnock by Mr Hugh Scott on behalf of the Band.

The Band played a salute to the five foundation members present - Tom Swaile, Matt Warnock, Harry Montgomery, Joe Warnock and Bob Scott.

Miss Shona Hutchinson recited a poem she had composed and entitled, "A Tribute to Tullylagan."

Mr Turkington then handed over the duties of M.C. to Mr Bobbie Armstrong and an enjoyable dance followed, the music  by Gerald Black and Company.

Highlight of the celebrations came at 2am when the dancing ceased and as everyone was preparing to leave, the sound of the Bagpipes could be heard  and in walked the "Grand Old Man" himself Joe Warnock, playing Skye Boat Song.