WARD PIPES UP OVER ANTHEM

Hundreds of people attended the event earlier this month which not only added to the occasion but also gave the town centre a welcome economic boost.

Organiser Mervyn Herron said he has been contacted by countless people praising the day's success.

But now Independent councillor Dessie Ward has said some of the people he has spoken to who attended the contests felt the playing of the anthem was 'inappropriate.'

Mr Herron has said he is "extremely disappointed" by the councillor's remarks.

Mr Ward said he had received a number of complaints about the playing of "God Save the Queen" as the contest was coming to an end.

"The people I have spoken to felt that this was inappropriate and took away from their enjoyment of the event," said Mr Ward, who was unable to attend the event himself but praised it as a "great spectacle".

"They have also said that it would discourage them from attending future pipe band events in the town.

"All those involved with the pipe bands should be making strenuous efforts to broaden the appeal of the pipe bands to as many communities as possible.

"Perhaps this is something they can take on board for the next time," he added.

Mr Ward did praise the event's organisation describing it as a great boost for local trade and tourism.

He also pointed out that he hopes the success of this year's event can be built upon in the future.

Mr Herron, who was involved in organising the event which saw 33 bands descend on the town, said the playing of the National Anthem is traditional and has been done for over 30 years without complaint.

"I am disappointed that this has come up as an issue," said Mr Herron. "The pipe band association does encompass all sides of the community - something that Mr Ward may not be aware of.

"Whenever we travel to Mayo for the 65th all-Ireland championships with 45 bands which will travel from here, we will stand and listen respectfully to the Irish National Anthem - that includes everyone from bandsmen to spectators and officials."

Mr Herron said he is more than happy to speak to anyone, including Mr Ward, who has any issue with this tradition.

"The way I see things is that the various branches of the Pipe Band Association all respect each other's traditions."