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A unique event took place in North County Dublin on Saturday evening 8th December 2007
Former Pipe Major of The Black Raven Pipe Band, James Russell, celebrated his 90th Birthday in the local Turvey Golf club. He celebrated his evening in fine style with 250 of friends and family. The Black Raven Pipe Band joined in the celebration by playing in his honour. A presentation was made by the band to Jimmy of a new pipe bag with an inscription to mark the event.
The highlight of the evening was when Jimmy was asked to play with the band and he did so in fine style. After two sets, confidence grew and he said he would play a solo but panic set in and he ended up playing with his grandson Paul who is now Pipe Major of the band.
In his ‘thank you’ speech, he thanked the band for so many happy years and for their care in recent years when he travelled with the band to competitions and other events. He thanked his wife Bridget for putting up with him and his band and Bridget quipped that the band was his first love and she was his second love to which he replied “What’s wrong with that” “Brave Man!”
Another unique feature was that Jimmy played that night with his sons Michael and Seamus, his grandsons, Paul,Martin, David, Damien and Christopher and his great grand children Ciara and Andrew.
A great night to remember.
