At 12 noon on Saturday, 6th May 2023, the Leinster Pipe Band Championships will commence in the grounds of Newbridge House and Farm, Donabate, Co. Dublin. This competition is the first competition of the season and was previously held in Swords Castle, in 2018 and 2019. As we all know, the pandemic stopped everything for a few years and so this year is a special year for us, as it is the first Leinster Championships since 2019. Due to ongoing works at the Castle, it has been relocated to Newbridge House for this year. This competition attracts bands from the entire island of Ireland. Previous entrants were from Killeshan, Newcastle West, Carlow, New Ross, Youghal, Arklow, Cullen, Waterford, Lusk and Clondalkin from Dublin, Newry, County Down and also from Loughgall, in County Armagh. Bands are graded by the National Executive Committee of the Irish Pipe Band Association, with 6 grades in total - 5 or 4B, 4A, 3B, 3A, 2 and 1 - grade 1 being the highest grade. The winner is announced based on the band having the lowest overall score from all the adjudicators. When all the bands have competed, they parade into the arena and assemble as a massed band. As each band enters, they may play a tune of their own choice. When assembled, all pipers play an agreed tune. The bands will salute the Chieftain of the day, Cllr Howard Mahony, Mayor of Fingal. The event is concluded with a prize giving ceremony, followed by the playing of the National Anthem. This event would not have been possible without the great support of Fingal County Council, to whom we are incredibly grateful for the allocation of the area in the grounds and the staff of Newbridge House and Farm for their help. We are looking forward to this competition and hope to see old friends, band members with their supporters and members of the public, who may be interested in learning either piping or drumming as a result. Mark the date – Saturday 6th May 2023 at Newbridge House and fingers crossed for a nice dry day!