Kilbarchan Pipe Band have added to their trophy haul by winning the UK Championships in Northern Ireland last weekend.
The band competed just a month after their success in Gourock when they became the British Champions.
The Renfrewshire pipe band left Kilbarchan on Friday at half past three in the morning and arrived at the accommodation they were staying in later around 9am on Friday.
The band used the Friday to practise for the upcoming competition which was said to be of a really high standard.
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Speaking about the event and the standard, Michael Kerr, who is the pipe corporal and secretary, spoke about how level of competition was high.
“There were a lot of good bands competing, and some that we don't get to see as they dont travel across to Britain. Amongst our band, there was a lot of excitement and trepidation due to the unknown nature of some of the bands competing”
Michael had travelled with the band and spoke about how some of them hadn't properly slept since Thursday night, therefore, amongst practising there still was time to relax in the hydropool in the accommodation and play frisbee.
On competition day, the band travelled to the field that they were competing in and performed the best that they could. Michael spoke about how the band were happy with how they played and felt really good coming off after their performance:
“The band put on a very very good performance and we all came off the feeling very happy with their performance, but you don’t ever take that for granted as it is down to the judges. So although we were happy we were still reserved at that point.”
The pipe corporal of the band, Michael, spoke about the moment that they found out they had one it. He highlighted the sher due that the band felt in that moment.
“The best way I can describe the feeling is sheer joy. Everyone was just over the moon and ecstatic, because although we are a band we are a family and that means we lose together but also celebrate together.
“The hard work of our pipe Major Brian Knight and leading drummer Robert Will have put into the pipe band has been incredible. Without their leadership, none of this would be possible.”
Band members showed off their winning trophy in style as they planted it on the front of the bus as they arrived home for everyone passing by to see. They are now looking forward to their next competition, which is the European competitions on June 25 in Inverness.
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