CULLEN PIPERS ROCK WITH ROD STEWART AT THE PÁIRC
CULLEN Pipe Band members drummed up a mighty atmosphere before a packed Pairc Uí Chaoimh last weekend for the legendary Rod Stewart.
Their distinctive sound added to the occasion, and was quite quite a scoop for the Cullen pipers. “We were contacted by Aiken Promotions - our record is impressive, winning All-Ireland and World titles down the years earned this unique reward,” said Pipe Major Con Houlihan. “It was a fantastic feeling to be microphoned up and fill a stage that resembled a three storey house.” Four members of the Cullen band performed, Con along with his daughter Caitlín, Band Secretary Collette O’Connor and Jack O’Sullivan.
“Even the sound check was electric, the music filled the massive stadium and to perform before the multitudes added to a buzzing atmosphere.
“We chatted with Rod, a really nice guy. Obviously, with his Scottish background, he appreciated the bag pipes and piped music”, said Con.
Cullen’s Pipe Band first official engagement was at the 1943 Knocknagree Races and many hours of pleasure have been enjoyed since then. Amongst the destinations covered regularly are Munster football finals, the Rose of Tralee to the annual Sean Moylan Commemoration in addition to numerous other cultural, political and sporting occasions. Rod Stewart at Pairc Uí Chaoimh can now be added to their impressive intinary.
But Pipe Major Con addes: “Cullen Pipe Band is not just about music and winning competitions. It’s about friendship, culture, dedication, spirit and hard work, too.”