Clonoe Independent crowned Ulster Pipe champions as All-Ireland return beckons

Clonoe Independent Pipe Band were crowned Ulster Pipe champions at the Ulster Fleadh in Warrenpoint on Sunday, securing their place at next month’s All-Ireland Fleadh in Belfast.

The Tyrone band finished ahead of St Joseph’s Pipe Band, Longstone in the Pipe Band competition to regain the provincial title and qualify for the All-Ireland competition.

The victory marks Clonoe’s second Ulster Pipe title since 2023, having also lifted the provincial crown three years ago. Although the band did not compete at last year’s All-Ireland Fleadh, they return as the most recent All-Ireland Pipe champions, having claimed back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.

Longstone also secured qualification after finishing runners-up. The County Down band will be hoping to build on a strong Ulster performance when they travel to Belfast next month.

The Ulster representatives will be joined by Achill Pipe Band, who qualified through the Connacht Fleadh earlier this year, completing the line-up for this year’s All-Ireland Pipe Band competition.

Clonoe will now look to reclaim the All-Ireland title they last won in 2024, while Longstone will aim to challenge for the title against some of Ireland’s leading pipe bands.