As Derryclavin Pipe Band continues to celebrate its centenary this year, the Pipe Major is delighted to see the band continue to thrive, 100 years since its formation.

The band was formed in 1922 and takes its name from the townland of Derryclavin, just outside Lisbellaw. The band are proud wearers of the Royal Stewart Tartan and wear the Stewart Create as a cap badge.

Under Pipe Major Gordon McKeown, who is following in his father Cecil’s footsteps, the band has competed in numerous pipe band contests over the years, and has won numerous titles, including being crowned Ulster Champions at Grade 4b in 2014.

In addition, Drum Major David Brownlee also won various titles, including the honour of being awarded Senior Champion of Champions.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter about what the band means to him, Gordon said: "I went to the band in 1980 and took over from my father as Pipe Major in 1990.

"The band has been in my family a lifetime and it's something that I have grown up with. It plays a very important role within my family."

A key component of the band’s success and longevity is the invaluable support it receives from the local community.

"The band is something that the community can look up to. We're glad to say that in all the 100 years that the band has been going, it's never been off the road. It's been continuous for the 100 years," said Gordon.

When asked what he hopes for the next 100 years of the band, Gordon responded: "I'd like to see it progressing more into the competitions."

Commenting that the band has a lot of young members which is positive for its future, Gordon said: "We have more than 30 members. It's a very young band, there's a lot of youth in it."

He went on to say that learning to play a musical instrument with a band can open many doors for young people.

"Young ones can gain music education through the band," said Gordon, adding: "If they are learning [an instrument], they do grades, and can go up as far as grade eight in it. If they want to go on to university, music grades can create extra UCAS points for them to help them get into university.

"People have used them in the past and its made a difference in them getting in to college and not getting in," he said, noting that although some members have left the band to attend university, many have returned upon completion of their studies.

"There's people who have went to college and done their three or four years and they've come back home again and they've come back to the band," he said, noting that the band is like a family.

Speaking at a special reception for the band, the then Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, said: "On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate Derryclavin Pipe Band on its 100th anniversary and commend all the members, past and present, for their commitment, dedication and hard work to ensure that Derryclavin Pipe Band remains at the forefront of piping and drumming, not just in the county, but across the province.

"Each and every member can be proud every time you parade and perform in the Royal Stewart Tartan of Derryclavin Pipe Band for the part you have played in the success of the band.

"I am confident that you and your talents will inspire younger members to join to ensure that the band continues into the next century."

Derryclavin Pipe Band is hosting a band parade in Lisbellaw on Saturday, July 2, with a collection on the night in support of Air Ambulance NI.