Black Raven toasts 90-year-old former P-M
The Grade 3 Black Raven Pipe Band of Dublin raised several collective glasses to Jimmy Russell, the band’s former Pipe-Major, on December 8th to celebrate his 90th birthday. Russell joined the band for several tunes on the pipes, which he continues to play every day.
Also playing with the band on the night were his son Michael, grandson Paul and Ciara and Andrew, his great-grandchildren.
More than 250 friends and family turned out for the celebration at the Tuvey Golf club on the north side of Dublin. After a few sets with the band, Russell very nearly played a solo spot, but then handed the pipes to his grandson, Paul, the current Pipe-Major.
Four generations of Russells have played with Black Raven since it started in 1910.
In a speech, Russell thanked the band and his wife Bridget for putting up with it over the years. Bridget said that the band was always her husband’s first love and that she came second, to which Russell responded, “What’s wrong with that?”
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that’s absolutely superb !! and playing everyday. I ‘m just hoping to be looking green side up a 90, but playing every day, with your son, grandson, and great grandchildren ? You gotta go a long way to beat that. Bruce Gandy
Congratulations to Mr. Jemmy Russell on his 90th. Birthday and good luck to all his family members currently playing with the Black Raven Pipe Band: sons Michael and Seamus, Grandsons Paul, Martin, Damien and Christopher and Great-Grandchildren Ciara and Andrew,