| aughintober, northern ireland

Owing to vicious rumours circulating about the various injuries within the band at the present moment, the Committee, Band and Back-Room staff of Aughintober Pipe Band wish to set the record straight once and for all. 

Kyle did NOT do his wrist in playing football.

Ashley did NOT break his arm while jumping over a wall

Ryan did NOT get that nose-bleed from picking too much and

Andy did NOT wreck his wrist in his new feet-ex-foliation and nail painting service. 

All these injuries were and are in fact war-wounds from the long anticipated Aughintober Pipe Band Fight Night, held in Rathfriland the Saturday Night after the Newcastle Contest!

Ultimate fighting was the style adopted, and all contestants were eager to train, infact Ashley going for a 3 and a half mile run with Willy Laffin before the night commenced, so as to be in tip-top condition!

After sampling a wonderful BBQ meal put on by Gail and Ben (Thanks!), and cooked by Ex-Chairman Brian Murray and Current Chairman Noel Ferry the night was ready to commence. The sweet was provided by 'Ferry-Beavers Bakery', and was enjoyed by all. 

The Warm-up fight was to be a grudge match between Kyle 'Diabetes' Murray and Andy 'Feet' Young. Murray, having recently returned from a 2 week training camp in Malaga was looking in fine form, but he was destined to be bested by the huge right hook of Young. Tight to the end, Murray it has to be said looked like a young Clubber Lang at points, but it was not to be, tiring himself out early left the door open for Young, who closed Murray down with two right-hooks right to the jaw, spraining his own wrist in the process. Kyle sustained his injuries, not during the match as might be believed, but afterwards while lifting a pint which proved to be just too much for him.

The Main Attraction of the Evening, Sponsored kindly by 'Chat-Nav' (Now with improved G.O.S.!) was to be a titanic clash, 5 years in the making between Ryan 'Double-Yoke' Ferry and Ashley 'Too Much Time on his Hands' Hassin. With the stage set, the fight nearly didn't happen, with a fight breaking out in the tunnel before the fighters even reached the ropes, over Ferry's choice of 'Little Birdy's go Cheep' to walk in to, Hassin believing Ferry to not be taking the fight seriously. Luckily the back-room staff were able to pull them apart in time, Ferry walking in first followed by Hassin, accompanied by Chris on the Guitar, and the 'Aughintober Choir' Murdering such classics such as 'Run' by Snowpatrol. (Know any Johnny Cash?!). 

Hassin's injuries were taken in Round One, 34 seconds into the bout. Ferry having started off at a quick pace, Hassin was on the defensive, but managed to only just block a mighty right-hand jab from Ferry with his left arm, taking a break in the process. Incensed by the pain, Hassin retaliated with several quick rights, but it was too late, Ferry winning the round easily. 

But, what both pundits and the crowd thought would be a short fight turned in to a battle for the ages, not since Balboa .vs. Creed have we seen two fighters go so all-out in a bout. It was in the last round Ferry took his injury, taking a Left-hook in the last seconds, leaving him with a bloody nose. 

In the end the judges couldn't separate these two, awarding even points, and leaving the tie as a draw, and fans calling for a re-match at the next available opportunity. 

In contest news, the band picked up 4th in Newcastle, and won the M&D! Willy did the business again with Upper Crossgare (M&D Too!).

*Please note that parts of this entire write-up may, and is a figment of my, and other band members imagination. Please take not part of it seriously - you have been warned!