GFMS eighth-grader Eamonn Dowd and GFHS senior Kieran Dowd had quite the summer vacation—becoming world champions drumming with the Capital District Youth Pipe Band!
The band won the 2019 World Pipe Band Championship and Best Drum Corps titles in Grade Novice B held on August 17, 2019, at Glasgow Green in Scotland. The band competed against 20 other Novice B bands to win this title.
Kieran played bass drum for the band, while Eamonn played tenor drum. They joined bagpipers and drummers from all over the eastern United States as part of their World-championship band. Talented youth from New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida all combined their talents into a seamless ensemble for the Capital District Youth Pipe Band.
In addition, while in Scotland the Capital District Youth Pipe Band competed on Aug. 10 in North Berwick at the International Highland Games, taking 2nd Place.
During the week before the World Pipe Band Championships, Kieran Dowd, accompanied by Dillon Zon and Shamus Rattigan of the Mid-Hudson Valley, won best Bass Drum Player during an international drumming competition in Glasgow.
Watch their excellent performance at the World Championships in Scotland below. Congratulations!!