NEWS ON CONTEST 2009

8TH COMPETITION - THE WORLDS - 15TH AUGUST 2009

Tullylagan Pipe Band - Glasgow Green

The Worlds 2009

Sorry for the late post guys!

Well the Annual worlds trip came and went, with much fun being had by all - even if our bus driver needed ika Geoff's direction on his map skills to get us to the hotel and Edinburgh!

Isn't that map upside down Geoff ???

Well this year we left Cookstown on Thursday sneaking in a extra day this year to our trip. With a good season almost behind us we were looking forward to competing this year at the Worlds and hopefully qualifying.

After what seemed like a long journey by boat and bus (for some of us anyway) we arrived in Glasgow. This year the Lagan were determined to qualify so long practises became a ritutal before dinner and 1st thing in the mornings giving some of the residences in the Premier Inn an early wake up call!

On Friday we set off early for a day trip to Edinburgh and the only words I can descirbe it was a good day for the ducks! rained for what was most of the day we all headed off to Edinbugh. Again Geoff's skill at map reading was put to the test when the bus driver got lost driving round the city in circles!

It was another early morning on Saturday and after a quick breakfast we all headed off on foot to Glasgow Green for the competition we all worked so hard for. After lots of tuning, some kinks to work out with troubled chanters, drum heads and last minute drills, we marched out to the final tunning area to wait for our place in the heat.

We had practiced long and hard to get to this point in the Season and as the Lagan entered the qualifying section nerves where on knife edge. After what was a good run inside the circle the nerves hightened to the results were given out. A nervous group of pipers and drummers where delighted to find out that "yes" this year we had qualified and were to play again at twenty five minutes past three that afternoon.

So after something quick to eat we were back at the bus for more practise and the sun came out to shine on us as we practised. Hoping this was a good omen for what was to be a good afternoon's practise.

The Lagan marched to the final tuning area and again the nerves were with those who stood by to watch our mighty band head into the competing circle. Praying that there would be no early chanters or mistakes we eagerly awaited for the band to start and play and yes they hit the opening rolls solid, great attack and the chanters all sounded together as they were on their way as they played this their last set for today.

Errol was at the line with mobile in hand so Serena could hear back in Cookstown the Band play. After a good performance band members and family and friends cheered the mighty Lagan leaving the circle. With a good run inside the circle the Band Members proudly march off the competing circle to family and friends who eagerly awaited with hugs and kisses. Everyone was pleased with their performance and now we had to wait for the results.

The Lagan formed together for the finale and where honoured to be asked to play in the March Past this year.

The Band members eagerly awaited for the results to be given out and when 4B was announced the neves where on knife edge yet again. With a 2nd and 6th placing in piping and a 2nd placing in drumming band members and family where delighted when the Lagan were announced as 5th prize winners.

Gary McElvogue, Alan Warnock Gareth Lennox , Jervis Hassan,

& Steven Swaile Geoffrey & Danielle Hamilton

Ian & Jim Trainor

This was a massive acheivement from the previous year when unfortunately they did not qualify. So a 5th placing in the whole heat was a massive achievement for everyone involved.

After a great weekend everyone has made it home safe and in one piece!

The Band Members and Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us by going to the Worlds in Glasgow and we look forward to your support for next season.

This turned out to be my last post for this year if there is anything you would like to be published on this site please e-mail us at tullylaganpipeband@yahoo.com

7th competition - bangor - 1st august 2009

A wet old day greeted the Band members when they arrived in Bangor today for this their 7th competiton of the season.

Today's competition took part in front of Bangor Castle for the North Down Championships and with a good run outside the circle the band members where looking forward to competing today.

The Band played 15th out of 18 so plenty of practise was put in before the band stepped over the line into the circle.

A great day was had by all, never mind the heavy showers in between the sunshine!

After a good performance in the circle the Band Members eagerly awaited the prize giving and where not dissapointed with the Drum Corps winning 1st placing and the Band taking home 4th placing in ensemble preference.

Jervis Hassan, Gareth Montgomery, Danielle Hamilton, Steven Stirrup and Kyle Crooks

6th competition - lisburn - 4th july 2009 (All ireland)

All roads led to Lisburn for the All Ireland Pipe Band Championships on Saturday July 4th

The band felt they had played reasonably well on the day and had a crediable 3th placing.

We are proud to say that we came home with more Silverware on our ever increasing table.

Father & Daughter Team

Geoffrey & Danielle Hamilton

Ian Trainor

5TH COMPETITION - PORTADOWN - 20TH JUNE 2009

Tullylagan Pipe Band headed off to Portadown today to Chambers Park for this their 5th Competition of the Season.

After last week in Cookstown we were excited and eager to get playing out on the green again. Again we practised in out out between the showers and in the circle today was no different.

After their performance they eagerly awaited for the finale and were not disappointed with a second placing in 4B.

Band members were delighted to be going home again with more Silverware.

4TH COMPETITION - COOKSTOWN - 13TH JUNE 2009

The Chieftain of the Day was Mr John McFetridge, who is a well known figure in the pipe band world and was also a drummer for many years in Tullylagan Pipe Band.

During the competition the Heavens opened and the band members left the circle after an excellent run drenched to the skin.

They left the High School in Cookstown to go and play up at Loughrey College at the Annual Vintage Rally before rushing back to the High School for the all important results.

It was an excellent day in Mid Ulster for Tullylagan Pipe Band with a super victory for band members when they took home the cups for best pipes, best drums, best bass and tenner and secured the placing of best band in grade 4B.

Pipe Major Alan Warnock & Drum Sgt. Steven Stirrup with Mrs McFetridge

Drum Corps "Bass & Tenor Winners"

Geoffrey Hamilton, Steven Stirrup, Jervis Hassan Ian Scott, Danielle Hamilton & Jayne Hassin

Tullylagan Pipe Band - Cookstown 2009

3RD COMPETITION - ENNISKILLEN - 30TH MAY 2009

In the sun drenched Town of Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, Tullylagan Pipe Band took to the Broad Meadow for their 3rd Competition of the year. With plenty of practise before going over the line sun cream and sun glasses in full display the band were in high spirits and looking forward to playing today.

Jayne, Jervis & Jackie Danielle Hamilton

"J Factor"

Today was a good day for "The Lagan" with great weather and great craic they went to the line in great form, taking 5th position we look forward to two weeks time when we play in our home Town of Cookstown.

Congratulations to the drummers who came 2nd today. Well done to Stevie and the boys!! Brilliant achievement!

2ND COMPETITION - BALLYCLARE - 24TH MAY 2009

So Saturday, and the splendor of Ballyclare! A map I think would have been required just to find the car park! When we followed Jeff round in circles just to get there.

Jervis Hassan, Steven Stirrup, Kyle Crooks, Gareth Montgomery

Another rainy day it is getting to be expected now part of the form....... Great Weather for Ducks you might say. Well it truly was. The only equipment need for Ballyclare was your instruments, capes and wellies!!!

Tullylagan Pipe Band were the first band to compete in 4B. After a good run in the circle the Band ended up a very credible 3rd. The pipers were delighted with their result with a four and third placing. Drummers didn't leave just as happy when they got a 7th placing. But over all as a Band they were all delighted to be coming home with a excellent placing.