Pride of the Hill Rathfriland Parade - 11/06/10
Tonight the band attended POTHs parade, one of the best Blood and Thunder bands in
the country.
The parade is always attended by most of the best known bands in the scene.
The route of the parade is always a talking point. They dont call it "Rathfriland
on the hill" for nothing. It is huge and certainly sorts the men from the boys.
Around 45 bands attended tonight. The Mourne Young Defenders were in good tune when
i seen them as were the smaller band Skeogh. Lambeg Orange and Blue and the Ulster Grenadiers
both going well also. Around the square the crowds were decent and having 2 finishing
points seemed to help the parade flow more smoothly. It was a really warm night for parading
with people enjoying the bands putting on a super show. Markethill Protestant Boys, SBYC, and
the Kilcluney Volunteers all going well. Downshire have really upped their game this year which
is great to see.
Below are a selection of photographs of the band in action.
Tonight we were awarded:
1st Large Blood and Thunder
1st Blood and Thunder Drum Major
1st Bass Drum
1st Style & Appearance
2nd Marching & Discipline
2nd Large B&T Drum Corps
2nd Best Overall
Our own band paraded tonight with 6 of a colour party, 1 drum major, 16 drummers, 2
bass drummers, 28 flautists and marshalls. A decent turnout for us. I thought we
played very well. Some of the route is very hard to get into a rythem but i thought
that our 2 bass drummers once again helped. Once again our flautists played well
and our new set of drums are starting to sound the part.
We have always done well over the years at this parade and tonight was no different. Once again
our efforts were awarded with a number of firsts. It builds the confidence for future parades and overall
we enjoyed our night in Rathfriland.
Well done Pride of the Hill.
John Keenan
East Belfast Protestant Boys Flute Band Chairman
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