The New Zealand Police Pipe Band has achieved a string of impressive results on its recent visit to Ireland.
The European Championships attracted entries from 139 pipe bands from around the world. The New Zealand Police Pipe Band came ninth overall in the top grade of the competition. Other competitions at Strangford prior to the Championships, and at Howth the day following, saw the band placed second and first respectively.
The band also took part in official engagements, including performing a tribute to fallen officers at the Royal Ulster Constabulary Memorial Gardens, participating in a Police Service of Northern Ireland graduation ceremony, and attending two mayoral receptions.
"Our tour to Ireland was one of the most successful overseas trips ever" said band manager, former Inspector Dale Stephens. "Alongside the warmth of the welcome we received everywhere we went, the competition was very strong, and the performance of band members amongst some of world’s best was outstanding. The 9th placing at the European Champs was an amazing achievement for the band with a number of players who had not competed at this level before."
The New Zealand Police Pipe Band includes ex-police and non-police players, many of whom are successful solo competitors. They regularly play at public and police functions, including recruit graduations. The band was placed second in the top grade at the national championships in Invercargill in March this year.
Media contact : Sarah Martin, Media Relations, tel 04 474 9442
Photo available on Police Website – www.police.govt.nz