Willie McCullough

The late Willie McCullough helped to establish the McNeillstown Pipe Band in 1946 along with Sammy Spence and Jack McCullough and in 1947 when Willie was twenty three years of age the band paraded for the first time.  In the 1950’s he became the band’s Pipe Major and remained in this position until Frank Andrews took on the role in 1969. Willie later retired from the pipe band in the early 1970’s. Willie was also an excellent performer on the five row button keyed accordion and was very interested in Scottish and Irish accordion traditional music.  He also loved céili bands and for a long number of years he enjoyed playing at sessions in the Wild Duck Inn where he met many friends.  Indeed Willie enjoyed playing music alongside Tommy Doherty and also past winners of the ‘Contribution to Music’ award, Edith Reid and Brian Quinn.  Willie had a stroke in 1990 which left him unable to play the accordion but he still maintained an interest in all aspects of music until his death.  Willie’s wife Sally will accept this posthumous award.