Cullen band pipes above its weight
ANOTHER great and notable organisation in the Cullen area is Cullen Pipe Band, which consistently boxes above its weight when it comes to national and even international competitions.
Summer is a time for marching bands and this year, like many another, Cullen Pipe Band have been busy lighting up events across the region. However, for this band there has also been some extra special events that have reflected the heights their dedication and excellence have attained.
Late in June, Cullen Pipe Band members Jane Carmody, Liam, Eamonn and Collette Casey were guests of Ballingeary Pipe Band as they attended Áras an Uachtaráin and had the pleasure of meeting President Michael D. Higgins. The president and his wife, Sabina Higgins, hosted a Garden Party to highlight Ireland’s Sustainable Development Goals, and to celebrate the many people who contribute to the lives of their communities in Ireland, and members of the Ballingeary and Cullen pipe bands were among those invited for the occasion.
Of course, President Higgins was to return the compliment only last week with a visit to Cuil Aodha.
Meanwhile, in early July, Cullen Pipe Band took 4th place in the All Ireland Pipe Band Championships held in New Ross. Coming fourth in the country is indeed a notable accolade – but it is nothing strange for the Cullen musicians.
The band is always nurturing new and up and coming talent (a theme repeated in various disciplines in the area) and notable accolades regularly result from their efforts. An instance of these endeavours came recently when the band’s Muireann Mulvihill brought home silver from the Munster Under 16 Solo Piping Championships, held in Newcastlewest.