Rush produces more World Champions
Last month, Rush man Eoin Morgan captained England to victory in the Cricket World Cup. Now it’s the turn of two young musicians to reach the “top of the World” in their own competitions. Cillian and Aoife Bissett both started off playing with St. Maurs where Aoife was tutored by Francis Lowndes and Paul Carrick and Cillian by Pipe Major Noel Harford which was top class.
St. Maurs were not competing for a season due to time pressure, so Aoife tried out for Grade 1 band St. Laurence O'Tooles and was accepted, while Cillian went to St Josephs pipe band in Clondalkin. The time commitment for G1 is huge, with two weekly practices, and 40 minutes a day practicing at home. They play in 5 Majors each year with 4 of these in Scotland. Both bands have been successful in 2019 with SLOT winning All- Ireland, UK and British championships and last Saturday crowned world drumming champions for second year in a row and 3rd in Grade 1. St. Josephs had a long winter of practice and this year won East of Ireland, Leinster and Scottish championships, their 1st major title. Last month they capped it all by being crowned World champions for G3. Cillian and Aoife both feel they are very lucky to be playing with such a dedicated bands but are
also very grateful to St. Maurs for the help and encouragement they got there. Both have a small break now but Cillian will be playing in Croke park in September at a charity event and then on 21st of September plays in Liberty hall at a Fred Morrison concert being hosted by his band while Aoife has All-Ireland solos left in September and world solos in November.
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