Tullylagan Pipe Band

Tullylagan Pipe Band is one of Irelands oldest Pipe Bands

Tullylagan Pipe Band celebrates its 85th Anniversary in 2008 over the next few months we will be holding different events.  This page will be updated with further information.

The band formed in 1923, by a ground of men from the Ulster Special Constabulary, based just outside Cookstown they decided to form a band.  That day marked the dawn of a new era in the pipe band fraternity for that was the day Tullylagan Pipe Band was born.  Named after the area from which it originated it has become one of the best know and most respected bands in piping circles.

The founder members donated a fraction of their wages to pay for instruments and uniforms, while committing their free time to learning piping and drumming.

It was during the 1930's that Tullylagan entered the competion arena and under the management of Tommy Green they went onto win practically every contest they entered included a total of Six Ulster Championships.

The first band tartan was Cameron, however following a request from McGregor Greer, owner of Tullylagan Manor, they switched to Ancient McGregor Tartan and that Tartan is still worn today.

 
First members included J Warnock, T Swaile, A Trainor, J Trainor, H Black, S Taylor, S Millar, J Montgomery, H Montgomery, A Nobles and J Black. 

In the summer of 1962, in Balmoral Grounds Belfast, the band, then in Grade 3, became the first band from outside Scotland to lift a World Championship trophy. This achievement put the name of Tullylagan down in history and
despite all other victories, this one was, and still is, the most coveted.

The band moved from success to success under the Warnock family and in the early 1980's David Chesney took over the reins. He led the band to becoming All Ireland Champions and Champion of Champions in Grade 3, while the drum corps won the coveted World Drumming Title in 1985.

For some reason the band ceased all contest activity until 1993 when D. Trainor was installed as Pipe Major with the able assistance of Geoffrey Hamilton as Leading Tip. There followed many successes under this leadership, which saw tire band promoted to Grade 3.

The band at the end of December 2003 was then competing in Grade 2 under the leadership of Pipe Major Warren Robinson and Lead Drummer David Brown, this was a partnership that would see the band bring home many many trophies and titles one of which was supreme champion of champions of grade 3A in 2001. In 2001, under the leadership of Warren and David, the band became, European Champions, Ulster Champions, Scottish Champions, Co.Fermanagh Champions, North West Champions, European Drum Corps Champions, Ulster Drum Corps Champions, Cowal Drum corps Champions, Ulster Pipe Corps Champions, Co.Fermanagh Drum Corps Champions, Cowal Best Bass, North West Drum Corps Champions, Co.Antrim Drum Corps Champions, Co.Down Drum corps Champions, Northern Ireland Champion of Champions - Supreme Champion of Champions.

Tullylagan Pipe Band finished 4th in the Ulster Championship.  At the end of that season the band lost five pipers to other bands.  The Pipe Major Warren Robinson then resigned leaving the band with an increasing drum corps, but with only four pipers from the previous year the band had only one option to seek down grading to 4A.  The drum corps were not however preparted to do this and as a result Leading Drummer David Brown and most of the drum corps moved to another band.

Alan Warnock was appointed to Pipe Major at this time.  The Drum Corps at this time were mainly learner drummer who were being taught by Kyle Wenlock. 

The Band reformed under Pipe Major Alan Warnock and Drum Sergent Stephen Stirrup took to the Pipe Band Competitions in 2008 in Grade 4B.

Over 100 people celebrated Tullylagan Pipe Bands 85th Anniversary dinner in Killymoon Golf Club, Cookstown.

Geoffrey Hamilton and Errol Hassin co-ordinated the successful evening's entertainment.

Guest speakers were Fred Walker and David Brown.

To open the proceedings Alan Warnock Pipe Major and Danielle Hamilton the youngest Band Member of Tullylagan Pipe Band cut the celebration cake and after dinner they had Solo Performance from Drummer Michael Brown from the Australia Highlanders provide entertainment along with Members of Tullylagan Pipe Band past and present.

A surprise presentation for Band members past and present were presented with a Certificate Honoring them in the Branch Roll of Honour Book in recognition of distinguished Service to the Pipe Band Movement in Northern Ireland.  Mr & Mrs Fred Walker presented certificates to Alan Warnock, Gary McElvogue, Ian Trainor, Stephen Swaile, Geoffrey Hamilton, Jervis Hassan, Michael Nelson and David Brown.

A full nights entertainment was provided with dancing into the wee small hours.

Pipe Major Alan Warnock & Danielle Hamilton cut the celebration cake 

Band Members past & present provided entertainment at the 85th Celebration Dinner 

Past Band Member Michael Brown provided a Solo Drumming Performance.

Mr & Mrs Fred Walker were special Guests at Tullylagan Pipe Band's 85th Anniversary Dinner