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North West Championships, Portrush
The bands and the crowds always travel to Portrush in their numbers whether its rain, hail or shine…..or even a complete wash out, soaked to the a**e just about sums it up!
Ah, it wasn’t that bad really, it was a great day right up to the last 10 minutes of the finale, and then the torrents descended…..horizontally! I think it was the first time that we’ve witnessed the majority of the gathering walking/running from the finale in an attempt to find shelter, or start the parade of the town early. But Ravara members are a hardened body of people and are well used to playing in down pours, nothing was going to move us……well, the two wooden shelters which normally seat four people may have helped, as they were suddenly transformed to accommodate over 30 bodies!!! There was a space beside Geoff for shelter; so I just stayed outside in the rain!
Ravara finished of the season with another 1st, winning on ensemble preference, and were also presented with the Champion of Champions prize which had already been secured by winning the Ulster. The band tied with Seven Towers for the Piping prize. Seven Towers were placed 2nd and also won Best Drum Corp which secured for them the Drum Corp Champion of Champions prize for which they had hotly contested with Ravara.
In the Novice Drum Majors competition Emma Barr added to her impressive 2010 trophy collection by being placed 1st, carrying on from where she left of on Glasgow Green the previous week. Brilliant!
Grade 1 was won by FMM followed by Ballycoan in 2nd, and Cullybackey 3rd. Upper Crossgare took the honours in Grade 4B and will surely be promoted next season. Moneygore pushed World Champions Gransha into 2nd place in Grade 4A and both bands could be looking at promotion. The Geoghan Memorial from Loughbrickland carried on their winning streak in Grade 3B adding to their European and World titles, definitely destined for Grade 3A. Their closest competitors Manorcunningham and Quinn Memorial could also be joining them. For their 1st victory of the season the PSNI came to the fore in Grade 3A, this being their second season in the contest arena.
Next week sees the end of the outdoor contest season for 2010 and also the last Major of the year, Dunoon. But for the majority of County Down bands and ourselves, we will be making our way to sunny Newcastle for the County, Royal Black Preceptory parade.
World Championships
After an early morning start and a long coach journey the band finally reached their destination, the Thistle Hotel Glasgow. Bags were quickly checked in and it was time for a rehearsal. With pipes and drums on board we made our way. The short journey itself was filled with nerves at knowing this is where it all could happen.
With the sun shining down on the manicured green the pipes were up in a matter of minutes. All the tension had disappeared. Sam had his troops in order, Neil was rounding up his Calvary, it was time. The rolls began, the drones started...Laura Ann McCallum here we come.
A crowd had gathered video cameras and cameras ago. Hands jangling, feet tapping, we were doing something right. Sam then called it a day, “Lets head back”, and he had a smile like a Ballygowan Cow.
The bus journey back to the hotel was full of fun and laughter, smiles on faces people enjoying the experience, and what an experience it would turn out to be.
Later that night, bad news filtered through that the legendry Bobby Rea had passed away. Many in the band had played with and were taught by Bobby and understood how influential he was, not just with Ravara but throughout the pipe band world. He will be greatly missed, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Jeanette and the Rea family circle.
 It was Saturday morning 7am we were woken by the sound of pipes echoing all around the beautiful city of Glasgow. What a feeling to be a part of this. Everyone was dress in Ravara attire, everyone had a spring in their step, and everyone had that glint in their eye. It was time.
We arrived at the green, the wee Belfast man had our bus parked in winner’s lane....right at the front. Neil had the drum core going over their routine and fine tuning. The pipers were starting to strike up, the tenors had their fluffy balls flying and Emma had her stick twirling, this is what it is all about.
There were nerves, laughs, you name it we were ready. We were in the final tuning area, Johnston pipe band were just finishing their set, and it was time to do battle. We got to the line; there were five, six people deep all around the qualifying ring. Sam’s feet started to set the tempo, he turned with a nervous smile and next thing we were off.
It was the quickest 6 minutes in my lifetime, it was over. The applause went up along with a few whistles. We marched out, what a feeling, everyone was smiling, we thought we had done enough. Sam was happy, Neil was happy, even big bad Willy was happy. Now the wait was on for the Qualifying results.
I’m nearly sure time had stopped, the results were to be out at 2.20pm but I honestly think my watch stayed at 2pm for over an hour. The results came through, we had made it into the finals, we were over the moon, but knew that was only half the job done. We wanted gold medals really.
We had to go through it all again.......preparation, final tuning, then the real McCoy. The atmosphere was brilliant, it felt like they were waiting for us even though they weren’t. We played our set, and again smiles all round, what more could we do?? We just hoped and prayed we had done enough. (Click here to See the Bands winning performance on Youtube).
 It was results time.............................. The bands were all on the green in an orderly form all awaiting their destiny. The winners cups and shields were all gleaming in the midday sun even the 4th placed one, oh how pretty they looked.
Mr Embelton with his thick Scottish accent addressed the bands and crowd, you could feel the tension in the air, it was time. He started by calling out the drum majors, RSPBA Junior world champion 2010, our very own Emma Barr who twirled her stick to victory, the band was over the moon for Emma who had worked very hard during the year and fully deserved to be called a World Champion.
 As he worked his way up through the grades it was apparent that most of the trophies were heading across the Irish Sea, Grade 4b, 4a, 3b, 3a, and then it was our grade, the result we had been gearing up to all season.
Grade 2, 2010 best drum core...................Pause, we all held our breath............... Bagad Briege, France, we applauded but then we did think the worst, maybe again it wasn’t our year...... again. Mr Embelton then announced Grade 2 World Champions 2010........................... RAVARA (Click here for a Recording of the Announcement). Hats, pipes and drum were all thrown in the air, there were tears, laughter and the sense of relief. Sam, Bryson, Neil, and all the players, what a job they had done for a small band from the sticks being crowned 2010 world champions. Also in our grade from N.Ireland were Seven Towers who came a very respectable 4th and congratulations to them.
What a night it was going to be, Glasgow and the thistle hotel would need to get ready because the boys and girls from the small village of Ravara were on the rampage........................PS: O what a few days it was...........
Overall a fantastic few days for pipe bands from Northern Ireland and the Republic, and Ravara would like to congratulate every winner there was on that fine day in Glasgow green. In particular, Terry Tully and his troops from St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band who battered the big boys by an impressive 10 points overall and this as they celebrated their 100th anniversary this year. Well done Terry, but we are on your heels!!!
Ulster Championships
With the Drone tuner rebuilt and all uniforms just about dry after last weeks soaking in Belfast, the ‘Kilties’ descended upon Lisburn for the ‘Ulster’.
Everyone had just about came back down to earth after last weeks triumph in Belfast. Bryson had even got his voice back after roaring like like a bull for what seemed like 10 minutes after we were proclaimed European Champions! Preparations weren’t just as straight forward as they had been the previous week which resulted in the PM having to put in a hard shift to get the pipes set up. But Sam loves a challenge and his efforts delivered the desired result.
Ravara were placed 1st and therefore retained their Ulster Champions title, Seven Towers finished in 2nd place and also won the piping prize. Aughintober won Best Drum Corp.
Emma Barr continued to feature in the prizes in the Novice Drum Majors competition by picking up 2nd place. Keep up the good work.
Grade 1 was won by FMM followed by Cullybackey in 2nd, and Ballycoan 3rd.
European Championships
On Saturday 31st July, Belfast hosted the first European Pipe Band Championships of a three year contract with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. The venue was the Civil Service grounds within the Stormont Estate, and what a fantastic location to host this major event. I think it was the first time that we’ve played on carpet!
With last weeks victory at Newcastle confidence was high and there was a real buzz as we began our preparations on a bright and sunny afternoon; what more could you ask for?! Grey skies and a complete emptying of the heavens 5 minutes before performance time?.......CORRECT! The final drone tune was a rushed affair and even then that wasn’t enough to prevent the meter from becoming waterlogged and requiring a rebuild.
But whether it be rain, hail, or shine you’ve got to go with the conditions that you have, so with the right motivation from the Pipe Major we squelched our way to the arena and the drowned rats pulled off one of our best performances of the season to date.
The benefit of having an early playing time gives you the opportunity to listen to your opposition, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea as the standard was very high on the day so we knew it was going to be a close call for the judges.
So it was onto the finale, and there is nothing worse than having to put on wet jackets again, a few people didn’t even know whether their jacket was wet or dry! Pressure was starting to build as the results commenced, especially for Pinkie, as he had to make a hasty exit to a big blue tardis to calm his nerves. But luckily for him he could still hear the results as the Ravara Drum Corp won the drumming, their first major win under the direction of Neil Ussher, and more importantly the band was placed 1st overall, our first major title of the 2010 season. Glengarries and bodies were in the air, even Bryson’s pipes were seen going skywards. Some spectators thought that there was a riot in a blue tardis, but it was only Pinkie going ballistic, all pressure relieved!
Emma Barr continued to excel in the Junior drum majors competition by picking up 2nd prize, well done yet again.
St. Laurence O’Toole took top honours in Grade 1 followed by FMM in 2nd place.
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The Officers and Members of Ravara Pipe Band would like to express their most sincere thanks and appreciation to BI Electrical Services www.bielectrical.com for their continued sponsorship of the band for the 2010 season. Thank you for your tremendous support.
Heart ‘O Down Championships, Newcastle
With the mid season break over it was of to the foot off the Mournes and to sunny Newcastle. The rain clouds were ever present during the day but thankfully they only threatened. It was a very successful new venture for the RSPBA moving the 1st contest after the July break to Newcastle, the Bands turned out in numbers, and so did the general public. Well done to Mervyn Herron and his team.
Ravara got back into winning ways taking 1st place in Grade 2 and also winning the Piping prize being placed 1st by both piping judges.
Mark Whitten and Thomas Connolly also had a good day out picking up their 1st ever prize with McNeillstown Academy in Grade 4B. A BIG WELL DONE to you both.
And, to top it off, out Drum Major Emma Barr took 1st place in the Novice Juvenille.
All very good preparation for the European’s at Stormont next week when there will be a mass invasion by the Scots for the 3rd Major competition of the season.
Top marks for effort must go to the Whitten family for their commitment on Saturday, by managing to attend a family wedding, popping out to compete with the band, and then returning for the reception. We’ll not mention the state of Debbie’s hair !
Wedding Bells
Congratulations to Stuarty and Emma McLees who got married 14th July 1010, reception in La Mon country house hotel and honeymoon in Florida
All-Ireland, Ballina, Co.Mayo
It was off to the West Coast of Ireland for the 2010 All-Ireland. The Celtic Tiger hasn’t quite hit this region judging by the standard of the roads, some of our country roads are better ! But some of the scenery more than made up for the humps and bumps.
Things just didn’t go as well as planned on the day and the judges had quite a difference of opinion too. Ravara were placed 3rd in Grade 2 finishing behind Seven Towers in 1st place, and Howard Memorial in 2nd. Howard Memorial also won the best Drum Corp.
But, we did return home with an All-Ireland champion, Emma Barr took 1st place in the Novice Juvenille, winning by the closest of margins on M&D preference. Well Done.
SLOT took the honours in Grade 1, impressively beating FMM with seven 1st places out of a possible eight. Home advantage does pay off sometimes and it certainly worked for SLOT in 2010.
British Championships, Annan
The second Major of the 2010 season seen the competing bands head to the south of Scotland, and to a new venue, Annan. This being another day trip meant for an early rise to meet in Larne at 6am and catch the ferry to Cairnryan.
Two and half hours on the coach meant that there wasn’t much time to hang around, more of a case of getting changed into uniform and starting to practice; oh, and hopefully get something to eat !
As always, you get onto the arena and give it your all, but the general consensus after the performance was that it could have been better; always striving for perfection ! With having to be back in Cairnryan for 7pm there was only time for a couple of cups of tea and then back onto the coach. The mobile phones were at the ready for the results and when the time came, the band was placed 2nd finishing behind Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary in 1st place. Dumfries also won the best Drum Corp.
Emma Barr took 2nd place in the Novice drum majors competition, competing at a higher age group than she does normally at home in N. Ireland. A great achievement.
FMM were crowned Grade 1 British Champions, followed by the continually improving Boghall and Bathgate in 2nd, and SLOT were placed 3rd. Geoghan Memorial from Co. Down took the Grade 3B title on ensemble preference ahead of Manor Cunningham (Co. Donegal).
Scottish Championships
Forget the ash cloud, the election and the world cup…the pipe band season’s back with a bang! What a contest, fantastic weather and a chance to get the new players out for their first Major experience with the band. There was even Royalty in our midst (more on that later).
All the players were at Larne early, well almost all - Stuart slept in! Picture the scene, he comes out of the house with his uniform, drum, a holdall...and his shirt on a hanger still wet from the washing machine…will married life sort this man out? On to the boat and a chance to catch up with folk you haven’t spoken to since Portrush and also a chance for Geoff to buy me a breakfast, but to no avail although to be fair he did buy me a cold coffee.
Already it was setting itself up to be a really warm day so thoughts were on the preparation and what effect the weather would have on the pipes. Ravara were drawn to play just after 3pm so there was a chance to have wander round and get a bite to eat before the work started. As draw time drew closer the sun got stronger but the shade of the trees kept things cool till performance time. The Highland Wedding set was drawn and all the winters work was put to the test; the band played well and Samuel was very happy with how the pipe corps handled the event. Neil was pleased the first big contest for the new drum corps had gone well and his hope of getting in among the prizes was a real possibility.
Grampian Police picked up first place with Seven Towers just pipping Ravara to second spot. Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, Buchan and Williamwood made up the remainder of the top six with Buchan taking the drumming prize. Congratulations and well done to the winners. In Grade 1, Field Marshal Montgomery retained their Scottish title with Boghall and Bathgate, Shotts and Dykehead, St Laurence O’Toole, ScottishPower and Strathclyde Police following them. Shotts won the drumming.
Ravara’s Emma Barr came in fourth in the Novice grade Drum Major championships – congratulations and well done Emma!
Oh yes, the Royaly thing….there was another contest this weekend. The night before the Pipe Band championships, Sarah Moore was crowned Ballyclare May Fair Queen. On the journey home from Dumbarton band members were invited to steal a kiss from Sarah as tradition has it….last we saw Sarah she was running back up the motorway…
For full results check the RSPBA web site. More on the Scottish Championshop to follow soon.
Draw for the British Championships
Ravara have been drawn No. 14.at 15.27 for the British Championships to be held on Saturday 26th June 2010. For the full draw for all grades see the RSPBA web site.
Balmoral Show 2010
The Band was on duty again at ‘The Show’ in the Balmoral Showgrounds on Wednesday 12th May.
Events were running behind on the day due to the attendance of HRH Prince Charles at Balmoral, but we eventually made it onto the main arena to entertain at 8pm.
Thanks again to the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society for their kind invitation to participate, and thanks to all band members who made the effort as this provides an invaluable contribution to band funds.
This engagement also enabled the youth of Thomas Connolly and Mark Whitten to make their debuts with the band. The lads have been working hard over the winter months to get to this stage, and they will also be making their contest debuts along with Aaron Connolly when they guest with McNeillstown Academy at Enniskillen. All the best…..
Draw for the Scottish Championships
Ravara have been drawn No. 15 for the Scottish Championships to be held on Saturday 22nd May 2010. For the full draw for all grades see the RSPBA website.
Contest Season Already…..
Another winters practice is over and its time to enter the contest arena again as the 2010 season kicks off at a new venue in Banbridge, Solitude Park.
The Ravara ranks have been strengthened with the addition of new personnel and we would like to formally welcome them to the Band and trust that they will enjoy their time with us.
Laura McWhirter joins the Pipe Core from Inverary & District.
Neil Ussher returns home after a loan spell at Upper Crossgare to take on Lead Tip.
Matthew Shaw & Phillip Wilson join the Drum Core, both coming from Upper Crossgare.
Daryl Lawson also joins the Drum Core, transferring from Killeen.
Neil Montgomery joins the Tenor Section, transferring from Cottown.
And finally, Joanne Ussher returns to the tenor section after spending the entire 2009 season partying !!
Congratulations…..I Think !
Stephen Whitten and Michael Nelson have joined that illustrious club by tying the knot earlier this year.
Stephen being tight with the cash stayed very local whilst in pursuit of his future wife, whereas Michael being flash jetted over to Middlesbrough to drag his woman back to Coagh !
The Officers and Members of Ravara wish you both and your good ladies every happiness, and may you receive God’s richest blessing in your lives together.
Burn’s Night
Burn's Night was celebrated in Ballygowan Village Hall on Saturday 23th January 2010. This event, in aid of band funds was again the foresight of Marion McCloy who undertook the mantle of organizer. An Auld Tyme Dance was the entertainment for the evening with the music being provided by Sammy Miskelly.
A big thank you to all those who provided sandwiches and pastry, and the very generous array of prizes for the ballot.
Special thanks to Marion McCloy, Ruthie Craig, and their team for all their assistance in making this event such a success.
Free Bus Pass for Sam, Geordie..and Dean !
During the winter months a couple of the band’s more senior members announced their retirement and now can be seen travelling the length and breadth of the country on Ulsterbus.
Sam Moore and Geordie Haddock have hung up their sticks and now can be found sitting in front of the fire on Monday and Thursday nights. As for Dean Falloon, although not far off the Free Bus Pass age, he put in a transfer request to move up north to the sunny village of Cullybackey. Dean, being a scouser follower, hasn’t got too much going for him at the minute, but we hope that all is going well for you at the ‘Backey’.
Its always sad when players move on but these lads will surely be missed as they were truely part of the family by their attendance and commitment to the band. We hope all is well, and don’t forget that you are always welcome.
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