The Association is called Cumann Buidhean Píobaire na hÉireann or the Irish Pipe Band Association (IPBA)
Aim:
The aim of the association is the promotion of Piping & Drumming, by providing members, bands and individuals, with a framework in which to achieve a high playing standard through education and contest and to foster a bond of fellowship amongst all pipers and drummers.
Administration:
Cumann Buidhean Píobaire na hÉireann (Irish Pipe Band Association) is managed by a
National Executive Council (NEC) elected each year at the Annual General Meeting of the Irish Pipe Band Association.
National Executive Council
President
Con O’Conaill
V/ President
Dave Burke
Chairman
Brian McMahon
V/Chairman
Seamus Russell
Secretary
Johnnie Sheehan
Treasurer
Noel O’Mahony
Asst. Treasurer
David Burke
Registrar
Ann Sheehan
Media
Tina Tydings Houlihan
Trophy Officer
Bettany Russell
Pan Celtic/Oireachtas
Con O’Conaill
Chief Compilers
David Burke
Ann Sheehan
Chief Steward
Paddy Cronin
Member
Paul Sheehan
Member
Noel Kelly
Member
Bettany Russell
Ex Officio Officers
Bob Wade, Kearney, NJ USA
Charlie O’Keefe, City of St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
The Irish Pipe Band Association is advised on technical issues by the National Advisory Committee (NAC)
National Advisory Committee
Chairman
Seamus Russell
Secretary (ex officio)
Johnnie Sheehan
Piper
Arthur Bass
Piper
Johnnie Sheehan
Piper
Timmy Farrelly
Drummer
Stephen Creighton
Drummer
John Martin
Drummer
Ann Sheehan
A forum called the Joint Association Council (JAC) is held annually between the IPBA and the
RSPBA NI Branch for the purpose of running the All Ireland Championships for Pipe Bands and Solo Players. The All Ireland Championships are held under the control of the JAC.
Joint Association Council
Members
RSPBANI
IPBA
Ray Hall
Brian McMahon
Arlene Faulkner
Johnnie Sheehan
Danielle McCartney
Stephen Creighton
Kenny Crothers
Branches
Cumann Buidhean Píobaire na hÉireann currently has three branches and an attached grouping:
Leinster Branch (8 bands), Munster Branch (10 bands), South East Branch (6 bands) and the North West Grouping (4 bands).
As a matter of good governance, Branches are obligated to report their activity on an annual basis. These reports form a significant element of the Secretary’s Report to the Annual General Meeting of the Irish Pipe Band Association.
The Irish Pipe Band Association is a voluntary, not for profit charitable organisation.
Registered Charity Number (RCN)
20204482
Charitable Tax Exemption
CHY 22402
Mission
To promote piping & drumming in the Republic of Ireland, encourage Irish music, identity and culture and provide members bands and individuals with a system of education and a competitive framework in which to achieve a high playing standard while fostering a bond of fellowship amongst all pipers and drummers.
We are committed to the support and maintenance of pipe bands and piping and drumming culture in the Republic of Ireland.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our music and bands, and the values to which we aspire, enrich the lives of our members, families and the communities we serve.
We are committed to active lifelong participation for all who wish to participate.
We reach out to and include all members of our society.
We promote individual and group development and well-being and strive to enable all our members achieve their full potential in their chosen roles.
Vision
Our vision is that everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our music and culture, to participate fully, to grow and develop and to be inspired to keep a lifelong engagement with our Association.
Values
General
We conduct all our activities within the required legal and regulatory framework to ensure safe participation for all our members, especially children and vulnerable adults
Community Identity
Bands depend on their local communities for support.
We are part of the history and culture of those communities
Everything we do helps to enrich the communities we serve
We foster a clear sense of identity and pride of place
Status
We are a volunteer led organisation
We encourage and teach music and the art of piping and drumming to the highest possible standard
We provide education and a competition programme at all levels to meet the needs of all our players
Inclusiveness
We welcome everybody to be part of our Association
We are anti sectarian
We are anti racist
Respect
We respect all our members at all times, on and off the competitive arena
We operate with integrity at all levels
We listen and respect the views of all
Welfare
We provide a safe environment for all our members
We structure our teaching and competitions to allow players of all abilities reach their potential
Teamwork
Teamwork and friendship on and off the competitive arena are the cornerstones of our Association