The highly anticipated Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships will make their vibrant return to Enniskillen in 2025, once again celebrating a rich tradition of music, culture, and community unity. Presented by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (Co. Fermanagh Section), this cross-border, cross-community event promises a day filled with powerful performances and pageantry.
The announcement was made during a launch evening held at the Westville Hotel in Enniskillen on Monday, where organizers shared their excitement for the upcoming event. The Championships are scheduled to take place from 12pm until early evening, culminating in the grand march-past of all competing bands. The event is free and open to the public, inviting everyone to experience the spectacle.
Spectators can expect a dazzling display of tartan kilts, traditional music, and top-tier performances in piping, drumming, and drum major routines. The event aims to showcase the highest standards of competition, drawing world-class talent from across Ireland and beyond.
The honour of Chieftain of the Day has been bestowed upon Mr. Kieran Murphy, who shared his deep appreciation for the invitation. “To be invited by the Co. Fermanagh Section to return to the county as Chieftain of the Day at the 2025 County Fermanagh Pipe Band Championships is an honour I never expected to have bestowed on me,” said Murphy. “It has given me reason to reflect very fondly on many happy times spent playing pipes, talking, and even writing about piping, so I’m thrilled to return to the place where it all started.”
Mrs. Betty Booth, President of the Co. Fermanagh Section, expressed her joy at seeing the Championships return to Enniskillen. She commended the tireless work of the small but dedicated organizing committee, led by Section Chairman William Stinson.
The organizers also expressed sincere thanks to the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, as well as other sponsors, whose support has made the return of the event possible.
This year’s competition will feature elite pipe bands and drum majors, including several world champions. Among the standouts:
Irvine Memorial Pipe Band, local heroes and 2024 World Champions in Grade 4A, who now rise to a higher grade for the 2025 competition.
Ravara Pipe Band from County Down, the 2024 World Champions in Grade 2, who will now compete in Grade 1, the highest level of competition.
St Joseph’s Pipe Band from Dublin, who will be performing in Grade 2.
In the Drum Majors category, the event boasts the participation of the current World Adult Champion, Charlotte Ruddock, as well as Juvenile World Champion Louise Smiton, both of whom are expected to draw significant attention and acclaim.
David Brownlee, a local figure with a distinguished background in the field, will serve as an RSPBA Drum Major Adjudicator, lending his expertise to the judging panel.
As preparations build momentum, Enniskillen is poised to become the heart of pipe band music and cultural celebration in 2025. The Championships will not only highlight extraordinary talent but also reinforce bonds within and across communities, preserving the enduring traditions of piping and drumming for future generations.
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