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This is for Richard Cleery


Drumlough Pipe Band on top of the world MEMBERS of Drumlough Pipe Band were singing a happy tune last weekend when they were crowned world champions in Glasgow.
Playing their favourite tunes ‘Campbell of GlenLyon’, ‘Loughruan’ and ‘Old Boy’ they beat off stiff competition from 48 other bands to win the top title in Graqde 4B of the contest.
And it was a double celebration for Pipe Major Lexie Burrows and his two sons, who are all members of the Drumlough Pipe Band, but who weren’t the only members of their family who returned home with medals from Glasgow.
Another son Ian is with the Sergeant Walker Pipe Band who came home with a third in Section 4A.
Drumlough’s success follows on from their recent win in Moira at the City of Lisburn Championships and another success at Bangor.
It has all been a far cry from a competition two years ago when they competed in Banbridge and were placed a disappointing last.
But the 20 members quickly turned it round to such an extent they are now the best in the world. They have already had success in other major competitions since including the European Championship in Lisburn and the All Ireland in Newcastle.
Lexie Burrows explained why he believed the band triumphed.
"It’s all about team work," he said. "All the members of the team play and practice very hard and they are all dedicated and good strong players."
He particularly praised drummer William O’Brien, whose wife incidentally is the only female member in the band. The band’s membership had diminished a few years ago and William helped Lexie to regroup and turn it into the success it is today.
"We are still over the moon with the win and hope to celebrate it with a dinner later in the year" said Lexie.
The band is made up of ten pipers, six side and bass drummers and four tenors.
Lexie’s son Nigel, a piper in the band, praised his father’s role.
"If it were not for him it would not be the band that it is today," said Nigel.
"He has helped us stay strong and stay together. We thought we had a good chance of winning, but you never really believe it will happen. Now we’re are all delighted."
Next step for the Drumlough band, who meet every Wednesday night at the local orange hall, is the Ulster Championship in Portrush and they are also well placed to take the Champions of Champions title.
As winners in the Worlds, the band receive medals and £500. And next season they will be promoted to Grade 4A.
Downshire Councillor Allan Ewart was one of many to congratulate Drumlough on their ‘fantastic’ win.
"This a great achievement for the band following their victory the week before in Moira at the City of Lisburn Championships" Mr Ewart said.
"The dedication of the members of the band in their weekly practice has paid off and they are to be commended for this great win.
"I look forward in following their fortunes at Portrush next week when hopefully they can repeat the ‘Worlds’ performance."
Copyright © The Ulster Star 2004.