The Irish Association of Change Ringers

125 years ringing in Ireland

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September 2026

August 30, 2026

The Northern District young ringers practice on Saturday 26th September has been cancelled.

Please can you inform your respective tower members.

Change of Locations of Northern District Practices – September 2026

There has been a change in location for the district practice on 5th September. St Patricks Coleraine is unavailable due to ongoing maintenance. The practice will now be held in Drumbo.

The Iveagh Cup and Young Person Practice on 26th September which was orginal schedule from St Comgalls’s Bangor will now take place in St Mary’s, Kilmood. Cancelled 

Condolences 

  • It is with deep regret we report the death of Ben Buckley, a member of the famous bell ringing Buckley family and a life-long ringer in Doneraile.  Our Condolences to his family and to his ringing colleagues in St. Mary’s.
  • It is with regret that we share the news of the death of Cyril Foster of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick.  Cyril was the last surviving member of the Cathedral bands of the 1950’s through early 1980’s who where just magnificent strikers of their bells and renown for fast ringing with a closed hand-stroke lead (similar to the Devon-style in England).  Due to illness and advancing years, Cyril had not rung for some years, but always kept a close interest in gossip from the tower.  A keen diver and amateur film-maker, his short movie following a 7-Up can thrown into a small stream and eventually floating it’s way down to the sea before washing up on a beach, was one of those films that was ahead of its time.
  • It is with great sadness that we pass on the message that a previous Taney bell ringer, George Strong, has passed away. George was very involved in the committee who were instrumental in bringing the St George’s bells to Taney. He rang with the band to bring in the year 2000. Our sympathies are with George’s family and all who knew him.

 

Galbraith Cup – update from Helen Little

Thanks to everyone who came to the 6th Annual Galbraith Cup today in Taney. We welcomed ringers from Arklow, Blessington, Ballymena, Bray, Christ Church Cathedral, Doneraile, Drogheda, Hillsborough, Kilkenny, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Waterford. The rain didn’t stop the BBQ going ahead and we all enjoyed the tasty food. Thanks also to everyone who brought salads or traybakes. It was lovely to hear the buzz of conversation while ringers from many towers caught up with each other. We had 8 teams taking part. The winners were team 3. The prizes of bells and pens handcarved from Taney ash stays were very popular.

We had started the day ringing muffled bells for the funeral of George Strong whom many of you know. Darrell tolled the bell 91 times for George and we formed a guard of honour at the church gates. We had many messages of thanks and appreciation from members of the parish.

District Practices 

  • Northern District – Holy Trinity, Drumbo – Saturday 5th September 2026 – 14.00 – 16.30 **Note change of Venue**
  • Eastern District – St. Saviour’s, Arklow – Saturday 12th September 2026 – 14.00 – 16.00
  • Northern District – St Bronagh, Rostrevor – Saturday 3rd October 2026 – 14.00 – 16.30
  • Eastern District – St. Peter’s, Drogheda – Saturday 10th September 2026 – 14.00 – 16.00
  • Northern District – St Donard’s, Belfast – Monday 12th October 2026 – 19.00 – 20.45 -Please find attached the Patterson Cup competition rules as discussed at the management committee meeting 26/7/2026 and as previously agreed at the AGM on 11/4/2026.
  • Association Ringing Festival – Eastern District – Saturday 24th October 2026 – details to be circulated.