Harold Hook, 1938-2011

Harold Hook, one of Northern Ireland’s most respected pipers died at the age of 73 on November 28, 2011, after a short illness.

Hook was a winner six times of the Ulster Senior Solo Piping Championship in the 1950s and ’60s and a seven-time winner of the All-Ireland Solo Championship. He was taught primarily by Sam McManus of the Dromara Pipe Band, starting lessons at age nine.

In the 1970s Harold Hook was a celebrated player at the Saturday night Tartan Club at the War Memorial Hall on Waring Street, Belfast. Hook established the club with drummer Jackie Doran, holding recitals and competitions with guest judges and performers such as Donald MacLeod, John MacFadyen, Ronnie Lawrie, Angus J. MacLellan and Seumas MacNeill.

The funeral was on December 1st at Drumlough Presbyterian Church, with pipers and drummers from all over Ireland attending the ceremony to pay they respects. Members of the Dromara Pipe Band provided a guard of honour and Derek Boyce of Portadown played a 6/8 march at the grave side entitled “Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hook.

On behalf of the world piping and drumming community we extend condolences to Harold Hook’s survivors and his many friends at this sad time.