The funeral of Frank Andrews, pictured, will take place at the 1st Portglenone Presbyterian Church on March 12 at 1pm with the interment afterwards at Portglenone Church of Ireland Churchyard..

Frank, who had been a member of the McNeillstown Pipe Band – and former Pipe Major – for more than 60 years, died at his home near the County Antrim village of Portglenone on Sunday, March 8.

A spokesman for McNeillstown PipeBand said: “Frank was a committed, dedicated and loyal member … He first joined the band, aged 11 years, in 1957 and remained in the band until his sad passing. In 1969, Frank was appointed Pipe Major, a position he held until the year 2000.

“Under Frank’s guidance and leadership, McNeillstown Pipe Band successfully progressed through the grades, eventually qualifying to play in Grade 1. Throughout this time, the band achieved numerous successes under Frank.

“Frank continued in the role of Pipe Sergeant, making a huge contribution to the further success of the band. Frank was a man of many musical talents. He had a unique “ear for sound. Above all Frank was a much loved, kind, humble family man.”Frank is survived by wife Sally, seven children and 16 grandchildren.

Frank Andrews was also the lead drone tuner for Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band.

We extend our sympathies.


Approximately 600 schoolchildren, their parents and tutors enjoyed what organisers say was a “fantastic day” at the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock, Scotland, on Sunday for the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust’s annual schools competition.

Stirling Schools competing on Sunday.
Stirling Schools competing on Sunday.

Results:

Quartets – 1. Meldrum Academy B; 2. Forres Academy; 3. Meldrum Academy A.
Debut – 1. South Ayrshire Schools/Girvan Youth Pipe Band; 2. Upper Nithsdale and District Schools; 3. West Renfrewshire Schools.
Freestyle Musicianship – 1. Royal High School; 2. Sgoil Lionacleit; 3= Renfrewshire Schools and The High School of Glasgow
Junior A – 1. Fettes College; 2. Dumfries and Galloway Schools; 3. Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools.
Junior B – 1. Gordonstoun School; 2. The High School of Glasgow; 3. The Community School of Auchterarder.
Novice Juvenile A – 1. Dollar Academy; 2. George Watson’s College; 3. Renfrewshire Schools.
Novice Juvenile B – 1. St Columba’s School; 2. High School of Dundee; 3. George Watson’s College.
Juvenile – 1. Dollar Academy; 2. George Watson’s College; 3. George Heriot’s School.
Eilidh MacLeod Endeavour Award – Dundee City Pipe Band.


Ian K. MacDonald of Whitby, Ontario, won the Toronto Branch of the Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario’s professional knockout competition last Saturday.

Ian, pictured, nudged former Toronto Police Pipe Band bandmate, Sean McKeown, into second place with Brad Davidson placing third. Jack Taylor was the judge.

The competition was held at Moss Park Armoury in Toronto.