Ulster Fleadh Preview: Pipe, Flute & Miscellaneous Bands Aim for All-Ireland Spots in Warrenpoint

The road to the All Ireland continues this weekend as Warrenpoint hosts the marching band competitions at the Ulster Fleadh, with competition getting underway at 2:30pm at St Mark’s High School.

Pipe Band

Longstone Pipe Band (Co Down) make their first appearance at the Ulster Fleadh since 2019. The Down band arrive with pedigree — they were crowned All Ireland champions in 2018 and followed that up with a runner-up finish at the 2019 Ulster Fleadh. Longstone have continued to compete at the Down Fleadh in the years since, but this will be their first outing at Ulster or All Ireland level in several years.

Junior Miscellaneous

Cloich Cheann Fhaola Junior (Donegal) head to Warrenpoint chasing a fourth consecutive Ulster and All Ireland title. The young Donegal band secured their fourth consecutive junior Donegal title at last month’s county Fleadh, and remain one of the most competitive bands in the section, with a strong track record and a reputation for bringing through young talent year after year.

Senior Miscellaneous

Ramelton Town Band (Donegal) return to the Ulster Fleadh for the first time since 2019, when they finished second before going on to lift the All Ireland title that year. Covid then denied them the chance to defend their crown. The band reformed in October and marked their comeback with the senior Miscellaneous title at this year’s Donegal Fleadh — their first competition success in six years — and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Warrenpoint.

Senior Flute

Mullaghduff Fife and Drum Band make their first Ulster Fleadh appearance since 2017. The band stepped away from competition after the 2017 season before returning to action last year, and also competed at the Easter Sunday competition in Dungloe earlier this year. Should they qualify, Mullaghduff will be targeting a first All Ireland title since 2014. Maghery currently hold a run of 9 consecutive All Ireland titles, matching Mullaghduff’s own record in the section.

Parade: Following the competition, a parade will set off at 3:30pm from St Mark’s High School into Warrenpoint town