0:00:23 > 0:00:27Hello and welcome to the 60th All Ireland Pipe Band Championships.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31And where else could we be this year but the UK City of Culture 2013,
0:00:31 > 0:00:33Derry/Londonderry.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36It's the first time this competition has visited Derry.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39We're here in St Columb's Park on the banks of the Foyle
0:00:39 > 0:00:42right in the heart of the Maiden City.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45In this first programme, we'll be featuring the prestigious
0:00:45 > 0:00:49Grade One competition and, as always, we're in for a real musical treat.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54TANNOY: Grade One World Champions 2012.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58Field Marshal Montgomery.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01They're officially the best pipers and drummers on the planet -
0:01:01 > 0:01:04the reigning Grade One World Champions, Field Marshal Montgomery.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Richard Parkes' band have made an impeccable start to this season
0:01:09 > 0:01:13and going by the form book, they are the band to beat.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Hot on their heels - St Laurence O'Toole from Dublin.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24With Pipe Major Terry Tully at the helm, the 2010 World Champions
0:01:24 > 0:01:27will be trying to take this coveted title south of the border.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Cullybackey Pipe Band also know what it's like to
0:01:35 > 0:01:36be on top of the world.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Since winning the Grade Two title,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Robert Cupples' band have been steady performers in the top flight.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47They may be the newcomers to
0:01:47 > 0:01:49Grade One but already this season
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Seven Towers from Ballymena have tasted championship success.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Can David Reid's band repeat their early season performance
0:01:56 > 0:01:57and upset the odds in Derry?
0:02:01 > 0:02:05And last, but certainly not least, Ravara from County Down.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Sam Connolly's band have consistently been on the Grade One
0:02:08 > 0:02:10podium this season but can they spring
0:02:10 > 0:02:14a surprise at the biggest gig in the Irish piping calendar?
0:02:16 > 0:02:19To guide us through the competition this afternoon I've enlisted Robert Wallace.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21He's the principal at the College of Piping
0:02:21 > 0:02:24and a well-known commentator on the piping scene, as well.
0:02:24 > 0:02:25Robert, great to have you with us.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28What do you think the judges are looking for in this grade?
0:02:28 > 0:02:29The first thing will be sound.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31They must have volume, they must have steady tone.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33They must have clarity,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36they must have a true scale from the of the chanter to the bottom.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39That's the absolute prerequisite in Grade One.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42After that, the pipe tunes must work with the drummers.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45The pipers and drummers, there must be no conflict between the pipes and the drums.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47This is where the ensemble comes in.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50And when you hear the clash where they don't quite marry up,
0:02:50 > 0:02:52you'll see the judge lifting his pencil.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54The other thing would be the tunes -
0:02:54 > 0:02:57the breaks from the march to the Strathspey or to the slow air.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00These all have to be absolutely precise and controlled
0:03:00 > 0:03:02all the way through. The Pipe Major is a conductor.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05The pipers, the drummers will all be watching him.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10If they get it right, it can be a marvellous orchestra of pipes and drums.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13To win the All Ireland title, our bands must impress the judges
0:03:13 > 0:03:15over two performances.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20So earlier this afternoon, each band played their traditional march,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Strathspey and reel set.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26After the MSRs, the unofficial word at the ringside was that it was
0:03:26 > 0:03:29probably too close to call between Field Marshal and St Laurence,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32with Cullybackey not too far behind in 3rd.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36But that could all change as the bands step up to the
0:03:36 > 0:03:38line for their medley set.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40A selection of tunes put together by each Pipe Major to
0:03:40 > 0:03:43show off the band's technical and musical abilities.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47First into the ring then, Pipe Major Robert Cupples with Cullybackey.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49THEY PLAY A PIPE MEDLEY
0:06:47 > 0:06:50CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Cullybackey in fine form to these ears,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55but what about the expert ears, Robert? What did you make of it?
0:06:55 > 0:06:57This was a different band.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59The march and Spey reel, they were a bit sluggish.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Here they were totally in control and it was absolutely first class.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05You wouldn't have believed you were listening to the same band.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08They were so much more relaxed throughout the whole performance.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Every break was right on the money.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13The Pipe Major had it just ticking over beautifully.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16And the sound sustained.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Because there were more relaxed, the blowing stayed steady.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22So they will be very pleased with that performance.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25And not only that but the quality of the medley was good.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27It was entertaining from start to finish.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30There was hardly a duff tune, as we say in Scotland.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32In the mix, you know.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36You heard the silence in the crowd, if I can put it like that.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39I think the Pipe Major will be delighted with that performance.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42Very, very positive, indeed. That's what we think here.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44But what about the band themselves, how do they feel about it?
0:07:44 > 0:07:47Claire's with Pipe Major Robert Cupples.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50It's been a tough day for pipes. First part of the day was warm
0:07:50 > 0:07:53and it's cooled off a wee bit and there's the threat of rain.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56A few spits, but it was a good performance. We're very happy.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58And how do you feel about the competition?
0:07:58 > 0:08:00It's a big competition. It's big stakes.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Two of the top six bands in the world are here.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06But that's what we have to measure ourselves against and take ground on these bigger bands.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07So, it's good for ourselves
0:08:07 > 0:08:10and Seven Towers to be playing against guys like Field Marshal
0:08:10 > 0:08:12and St Laurence who are at that level already
0:08:12 > 0:08:15and we're aspiring to get to that level to the top table of piping.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Next into the ring, it's Seven Towers.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19They may be the new boys and girls of Grade One
0:08:19 > 0:08:22but have they got what it takes to impress the judges?
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Well, let's find out.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27THEY PLAY A PIPE MEDLEY
0:11:25 > 0:11:27CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Well, Seven Towers were in the McLean tartan
0:11:30 > 0:11:32so they have a place in my heart.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34But did they do enough today to be placed, Robert?
0:11:34 > 0:11:38I think they'll be struggling to be placed, to be quite honest. They're just new to Grade One
0:11:38 > 0:11:41and whilst I have no doubt that their position in Grade One is
0:11:41 > 0:11:43justified, they've a fair bit of work ahead of them
0:11:43 > 0:11:46and I'm sure Pipe Major Reid is well aware of that.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47They started off well.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Sounded good but when we get into the more difficult
0:11:49 > 0:11:52tunes like the Strathspey, they lacked cohesion.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56You could hear the pipers not quite together at the difficult passages.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Also I felt the jigs at that tempo...
0:11:58 > 0:12:02You play a roundish sort of jig, you must get the tempo up.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06If you don't lift the tempo, it can sound very sluggish and it's a
0:12:06 > 0:12:10rare thing in an Irish band that the jigs aren't up to scratch.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13But I felt today that they just needed to go for it a wee bit more.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16But the band can be pleased that they're in Grade One.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18They've got a good couple of hard winters work to start to make
0:12:18 > 0:12:20an impression.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22OK, it's a tough, tough grade and an unforgiving grade
0:12:22 > 0:12:26but let's find out what the word is on the other side, Claire?
0:12:26 > 0:12:29First day out for a couple or three weeks so quite happy, yes.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Stiff competition today, of course. - Very stiff.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36Some good bands in Grade One so we're very much the novice band.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38We enjoyed it with two good performances,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41so that's all I can ask. Very good.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Next up, it's St Laurence O'Toole.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47Now, they're always up there with the big boys in Grade One and deservedly so,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50but can Terry Tully's team pull off a winning medley this time?
0:12:50 > 0:12:53THEY PLAY A PIPE MEDLEY
0:15:46 > 0:15:48CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:15:48 > 0:15:51A predictably strong
0:15:51 > 0:15:53and impressive performance from St Laurence O'Toole, but was it
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- strong and impressive enough, Robert, in your expert opinion? - Absolutely.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Tommy Millar coined the phrase, "The greatest sound in the world."
0:16:00 > 0:16:04You heard it there in that slow air. It was just absolutely superb.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06The tone of the pipes.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08If you've got any hair on your head,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11it must have been standing up at the very sound of it.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Very, very high quality band
0:16:13 > 0:16:17and the way they tied the slow air in with the final tune at the end,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20that's brilliant orchestration the way they did that.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24So, they'll be thrilled with that performance. It's a magical medley.
0:16:24 > 0:16:25A very entertaining band.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29Always extremely musical so it was a joy to listen to them.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32A very strong performance again and let's find out what the main
0:16:32 > 0:16:34man in the band himself thought, Pipe Major Terry Tully.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36He's with Claire.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38Well, it was very good for us.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42As I said to the guys there, it's as good as we're going to do it.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44It's a new medley.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47That's only the third time that it's been played this year.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Each time we play it, it's getting better.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56That was very good. I'm really, really pleased with that. Really pleased with it.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Our penultimate band this afternoon is Ravara.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01After the first round, they have a fair wee bit of catching up
0:17:01 > 0:17:03to do if they want to claim a place on the podium.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Let's see how they get on.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07THEY PLAY A PIPE MELODY
0:19:55 > 0:19:58CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:19:58 > 0:20:00A spirited performance from Ravara there.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Now, the standards of Grade One are so high, Robert, and the
0:20:02 > 0:20:06margins for error are so slim, do you think they did enough today?
0:20:06 > 0:20:10Well, coming on after St Laurence is always going to be difficult.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13And I'm not convinced about the quality of the tunes in the medley.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16One or two of them, OK.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19But to me there were too many pieces in there which didn't grab
0:20:19 > 0:20:22the ear and if you don't grab the attention of the judge and the
0:20:22 > 0:20:26listeners, it's very difficult, no matter how well you play.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29It's a characteristic of all the top bands when they win,
0:20:29 > 0:20:32they've usually got some sticking-out tunes, you know?
0:20:32 > 0:20:35And I think the Pipe Major needs to have a wee look at the medley,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37content of the medley.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40They played well. They played better in the march, Spey and reel.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44The drums enhanced the ensemble very well,
0:20:44 > 0:20:47but at times I did feel the tenors were overbearing,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49especially in the slow air.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52They took away from the effect of that.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55A good band, well worth their place in Grade One.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57With better content, they'll do better.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Robert, hard but fair. Let's hear what the band thought of it.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Claire's with Pipe Major Sam Connolly.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06Well done there. How do you feel it went compared to the MSR?
0:21:06 > 0:21:09I had a bit of a nightmare myself, actually.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12It was two reasonable performances. We need to do that every week.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Just trying to take it onto another level.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- Tough at that level.- Hard act to follow after St Laurence O'Toole.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Absolutely. They have been in Grade One for quite some time
0:21:24 > 0:21:27and the World Championships back in 2010.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30We're only into the grade two years now.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32We're doing all right.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Last band into the ring today are Field Marshal Montgomery.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37They're the current World Champions
0:21:37 > 0:21:40and they are currently in first place after the MSR round.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44Let's see if they complete it with a great medley.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:24:54 > 0:24:59The Field Marshal Montgomery, for so long the gold standard in piping
0:24:59 > 0:25:00and with impeccable standards, as always.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Were they up there on that performance?
0:25:02 > 0:25:07Well, it's just a machine but what a beautifully musical machine it is.
0:25:07 > 0:25:13The sound, the drones, the quality of the tunes, the breaks,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17the accompaniment, the dynamic... assistance from the drummers
0:25:17 > 0:25:19because, as you know, pipes don't have any dynamic control
0:25:19 > 0:25:22so you've got to rely on the drummers to give us that dynamic
0:25:22 > 0:25:26and St Laurence had that in spades, as well. But that was just...
0:25:26 > 0:25:29I'll be hard pushed if they play like that... They'll be hard pushed to
0:25:29 > 0:25:31knock off their perch at the World Championships.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33And above it all,
0:25:33 > 0:25:38from a piper's perspective, their beautifully precise technique,
0:25:38 > 0:25:42it's a joy... I said joy earlier on but it is a joy to listen to.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44I don't want to overuse the word,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47but when you hear the precision and the work that band produced
0:25:47 > 0:25:49there, it gladdens your heart. It really does.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Let's find out what the main man in the band,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Pipe Major Richard Parkes, thought of it. He's with Claire.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56That was a really good medley performance.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59That's one of the best I ever remember playing with the band.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02And that goes back a long time. I'm very pleased with that.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05And as reigning champions, you'd certainly like to retain your crown?
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Oh, absolutely always we want to do that.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09We had a wee hiccup at the start of the MSR,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12but aside from that, it was a really good performance.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14The band's playing really well this year.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17And, you know, it's going to take a good performance to beat that, I think.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19What would it mean to you?
0:26:19 > 0:26:23Well, you know...the All Ireland is the biggest competition in
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Ireland and the biggest competition we play on home soil every year.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30So, it's very important to win it.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32So, a confident Richard Parkes.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Well, our bands have done all they can to impress the judges.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39So while the marks are being totted up, they have to wait patiently
0:26:39 > 0:26:42and enjoy the finale from the 61 bands who have taken part in
0:26:42 > 0:26:45this year's All Ireland Championships.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47BANDS PLAY "Scotland The Brave"
0:26:47 > 0:26:50AUDIENCE CLAPS IN TIME
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Quite a spectacle. But now the waiting is over.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03It's time for the all-important results.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Grade One. All Ireland Champions for 2013, winning the
0:27:07 > 0:27:11Tom Geddis Memorial Trophy...
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Field Marshal Montgomery.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16APPLAUSE
0:27:17 > 0:27:21Richard, congratulation. All Ireland Champions again. How do you feel?
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Well, it's great to win it.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25We've won it a lot of times in the past
0:27:25 > 0:27:27but it's always one where you can trip up. So it's part of our season.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30It's one of the major championships so I'm very happy to have won it.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34And looking ahead to the Worlds now, great hopes for them, I'm sure.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Well, the band's playing really well this year.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38We just need to keep it going and try and improve.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41I felt some improvement today on some aspects of our performance,
0:27:41 > 0:27:43which is good.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45So, I'm looking forward to that.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Well done to Field Marshal Montgomery who
0:27:47 > 0:27:50claim their 21st All Ireland title,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53that fabulous performance in the medley helping the band to
0:27:53 > 0:27:56a clean sweep of the piping and drumming prizes.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00St Laurence delivered another strong overall performance to take 2nd.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04That's about it from this year's Grade One Championship
0:28:04 > 0:28:07but next week, we'll be looking at the competition
0:28:07 > 0:28:09in all the other grades.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12We'll also be introducing you to the woman who won, but didn't,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15meeting the band who have risen from the ashes,
0:28:15 > 0:28:16and getting an exclusive
0:28:16 > 0:28:19behind-the-scenes look at the World Champion who is
0:28:19 > 0:28:22breathing new life into one of the most famous bands in the business.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25We'll see you then.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd