BAND NOTICE – MAY 2025.
We are desperately sad to learn of the sudden death of Pipe Major Gerald Griffin.
Gerald has been a stalwart member of the Association’s Pipes and Drums for the past 7 years, having recently taken over as Piper Major and provided superb piping support to recent pilgrimages to Sicily and Cassino.
It has been a massive shock for all of us and we would like to send our deepest condolences to Gerald’s family in Ireland and London.
A truly devastating loss and Gerald will be sorely missed by us all.
From the time of its formation in 1906, the Pipes and Drums formed an integral part of The London Irish Rifles, before coming under the umbrella of the Regimental Association in 1969.
The Pipes and Drums perform annually at the parades to commemorate St Patrick, the Combined Irish Regiments’, Loos Sunday and Remembrance Sunday and also join the Combined Irish Regiments’ parade at the Cenotaph.
We piped at a number of other events during the year:
- An excellent performance with the London Scottish was delivered in April for the ‘Laying up of the Colours’ of the London Regiment at the Guildhall and a great day was had by all.
- Pipe Sergeants Gerald Griffin and Gary O’Connor joined the Association’s 80th anniversary pilgrimage to Italy in May and spent the week playing at various events in the Cassino area. It was another great success and included attendance at a number of formal UK, Polish, Italian and German events.
- The full Band played at the Regimental Dinner/Birthday at the Guards and Cavalry Club in June.
- We also sent Pipers Lucas Rinaldi and Rhory More to Cannon Street Station to play on the concourse at the ‘Railways’ Network Annual Remembrance Day’ events. There were pipers from all over the UK and the lads spent a full day playing at various times – myself and the QM (ex CSgt Billy Oakes) made the trip to see them in action and to stand a couple of well-earned pints – well done to Lucas and Rhory. Pipe Sergeants Griffin and Pipe O’Connor also piped at Remembrance Day Services at other stations across the Rail Network over that weekend.
- During the year, solo pipers played at other events including at a number of weddings and funerals.
Looking forward, the current year will see a continuing renewal of uniforms as we shall need to look our best for the upcoming Association pilgrimage to Loos in September. In addition, new King’s Crown badges have been minted and are being issued to be worn on the Belts and Caubeens of all members of the Band.
In terms of personnel, Pipe Sergeant Gerald Griffin was formally promoted to Pipe Major at the recent St Patrick’s Day Parad – he had been acting in the role since the start of the year. After providing dedicated service to the Pipes and Drums for more than 50 years, Pipe Major Smith is now providing mentoring support as well as assisting the Band in maintaining its historical traditions by sharing his knowledge of a vast array of tunes. Stalwarts of the Band over many years are our two Drummers. Sgts Sean Chalcraft and Sue Tyler-Murphy, who also offer invaluable input at all times.
In conclusion, I would like to thank all members of the Association for their close support to the Pipes and Drums as look forward to what should prove a successful 2025 in both the UK and France.
You can contact the Band President, Major (retd.) Lance Cheese by eMail:
bandpresident@londonirishrifles.com
The London Irish Rifles Association Pipes and Drums are currently seeking more pipers and drummers. We practise weekly on Friday nights from approximately seven until ten.
You can also find a Facebook page for the LIR Pipes and Drums by following this link.
We welcome new members to carry on the proud tradition of the Regimental Pipes and Drums: remembering when they marched in the Allied victory parade in Tunis in May 1943, and at the Vatican during both June and July 1944. Evocative events, among so many, at which our Pipes and Drums have performed so memorably over the year…
You can read about the Band’s history in “The Pipes and Drums of the London Irish Rifles, 1906 – 2006”, written by George Willis and George P. Willis, and this is available for purchase from the Museum, now for £10.