Irish Pipe Bands Shine at the World Championships 2025

The World Pipe Band Championships 2025 brought some fantastic results for Irish bands, especially those from the south of the country.

In Grade 4B, Carrigaline Pipe Band from County Cork took first place overall. Led by Pipe Major Gary Stephenson, the band put in a strong performance that saw them finish on top of the grade. It’s a great achievement for the Cork group, who have been working hard over the past year.

Taking second place in 4B was Letterkenny and District Pipe Band from County Donegal. They continue to show steady progress and were well deserving of their high placing.

Youghal Pipe Band, also from County Cork, claimed fourth place in the same grade, rounding off an excellent showing for Munster bands in 4B.

Grade 4B Results:

In Grade 4A, it was another Irish success story. Black Raven Pipe Band from County Dublin took the overall first place prize. What makes the win even more impressive is that they were the 4B champions just last year, showing how quickly they are climbing the ranks. As one band member said, they are “on the up” – and their result in Glasgow proves it.

Second place in 4A went to New Ross and District Pipe Band from County Wexford. Their consistency and teamwork brought them right up near the top of the grade, another sign of strong pipe band tradition in the south-east.

Grade 4A Results:

At the very top level, St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band competed in Grade 1 against some of the world’s best. They finished 7th out of 14 bands, a solid result in a very competitive field.

All in all, it was a memorable championships for Irish bands, especially those in the south of the country. The results show real progress across several grades and will give the players and supporters plenty to celebrate as they look ahead to next season.