04/02/2026
A few words from our guest piper this month Reece Doherty.
Our next night will be on 13th of February at 7.30pm
My piping journey began at the age of eight, when my late Granda Billy Doherty introduced me to the practice chanter. After several months I joined Kildoag Pipe Band, where I played for two seasons. I went on to play with Raphoe Pipe Band alongside my Granda and Dad for a further two seasons. I then went to Grade 2 playing my first season at 11 years old, with Colmcille and then Manorcunningham. Last year, I made the jump to St Laurence O’ Toole where I am still playing and looking forward to the up coming season.
In the solos, I have won prizes at.
All Ireland
1st Under 18 MSR 2022
1st C2 Grade MSR 2023
1st C1 Grade MSR 2024
2nd B Grade MSR 2025
Ulster
1st B Grade MSR 2025
1st C grade MSR 2023
1st B grade Piobaireachd 2023
I have also be fortunate to win at the Belfast Tradfest solo competition in Summer 2025, and make the final of Pipe Idol in 2024. I have got an invite to play at the Ardmore Cup at the end of the month which I am really looking forward to.
Outside of piping, I would have a keen interest in aviation and even composed a tune after the Boeing 747 one of my favourite aircraft. For work, I am a manufacturing specialist for data storage company Seagate Technology
