Skirl of the pipes returns to the Broadmeadow

THE SOUND of bagpipes will soon resonate through the air as the annual Fermanagh Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships return, promising a vibrant day of music and spirited competition.
The long established cross border, cross community event, presented by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is set to showcase the finest pipe bands from across the region, gathering to display their talent and passion in a thrilling celebration of musical excellence.
The championship runs throughout the afternoon on Saturday, May 24, at the Broadmeadow, Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen from 12 noon until early evening and conclude with a march past of all the bands competing.
The Chieftian of the event will be Kieran Murphy. “To be invited by the Fermanagh Section to return to the county as Chieftain of the Day at the 2025 Co Fermanagh Pipe Band Championships is an honour I never expected to have bestowed on me,” Kieran said.
“I’m looking forward to meeting many friends in the pipe band community at the event and enjoying the music on the day. It has given me reason to reflect very fondly on many happy times spent playing pipes, talking and even writing about piping. I’m thrilled to return to the place where it all started.”
The President of the Section, Betty Booth, advised she was delighted the championships have returned to Enniskillen in 2025 and praised the efforts of the small but energetic committee team under the leadership of Section Chairman William Stinson.
Some of the competitors are the best of Ireland’s pipe band and drum majors including World, European, Scottish and Irish Champions.
These include local band the Irvine Memorial Pipe Band who won the World Championships in Grade 4A in 2024 and now will play in a higher grade.
In the Drum Majors competition the Fermanagh section was delighted to secure the entry of the Current World Adult Champion Charlotte Ruddock and Juvenile World Champion Louise Smiton. Local Fermanagh man David Brownlee will on be duty at the event as an RSPBA Drum Majors adjudicator.