Exclusive: Fallout from the 2025 Dooagh Pipe Band Awards continues to stretch credibility
Our award-winning investigative journalist, who uncovered the performance-enhancing drug programme run by Dooagh Pipe Band, has broken another exclusive. It seems that Brian Gielty, winner of the 2025 Founder's Cup, is not satisfied with merely winning the top accolade available in the world of bagpipes. According to a number of sources, Mr Gielty has tried to claim credit for extending the geographic reach of the award. "In my role as Ambassador for the Dooagh Pipe Band - a role I undertook as winner of the Founders' Cup, and one I take very seriously I might add - it's important to ensure that the band appeals to as broad a church as possible. And while I was surprised to learn that I was the first man from Keel [Editor note: there are also women who are from Keel, recommend the use of 'person from Keel' here] to win the accolade, I am obviously delighted and I feel this recognition could be a step forward for anyone who feels disadvantaged by their background."
Dooagh Pipe Band Chairman, David McNamara, weighed in on the controversy. "I am disappointed to hear that what has up to now been a glorious celebration of all that is great about bagpiping, has been sullied by what I'm sure is a simple misunderstanding." Mr McNamara went on to say: "What do you mean Ambassador for the band?", and "When did he say that?", and "This is someone else I'm going to have a word with. I didn't think all this was going to happen when the awards were launched."
The Founders' Cup was established in 1997 to recognise those who have contributed to the development of the Dooagh Pipe Band, with each winner taking possession of the cup for a period of one year. The name and year of each winner is etched on the trophy, so it should be a simple task to establish the veracity of the claims that Mr Gielty is the second, not the first, Keel man [Editor note: as above, consider using 'Keel person'] to be awarded the Founders' Cup. However, when we contacted Mr Gielty to clarify the facts of the case, he claimed to be out of the country, saying "I'm out of the country". Mr Gielty also said, "I'll check the cup next time I'm in Achill", but from the tone of his voice, we may be waiting for some time.
