Admittedly a little late, all in Gilnahirk Pipe Band would like to wish all our friends and supporters a Happy and Prosperous 2015.

The Band spent much of 2014 continuing with the rebuilding project which started a couple of years ago, under the stewardship of P/M Ricky Newell. Of course, 2014 was tinged with sadness when Ricky passed away early in the year but his long time friend and confidante, Carson Tate proved more than able to lift the reins and saw the Band move from strength to strength.

New players were added to the roster and practices were stepped up, finally delivering a 2nd place finish at the Lowland Gathering in Stranraer.

This was no time for resting on laurels.

Instead, the Band took only a couple of weeks off before returning to the Hall for a packed Winter practice schedule. Members have been meeting twice a week with the best attendance figures in decades. More new members have been recruited and a new competition set has been selected. If you want to join the team, get in touch with us on Facebook or by email here.

Things have also been busy on the social front. The Band held a very enjoyable Christmas party at the Lagan Village Rangers Club in East Belfast which was well supported by our friends from near and far. This was followed up by a successful Christmas ballot and on the horizon is our Ulster Scots Concert evening (more of that later...)

The fundraising has this year been directed at replacing our sporrans which have seen better days and it looks like the target is within sight.

All in all, it has been a busy end to 2014 and an equally busy start to the New Year - but all the signs are extremely encouraging - enthusiasm is at an all time high - why not come along and be part of it?