WATCH: Waterford mayor hosts reception in honor of All-Ireland pipe champion's phenomenal year
Mayor Ryan presents a scroll to all-Ireland solo pipe champion James Stone at a mayoral reception at City Hall.
Waterford Mayor Seamus Ryan has held a reception in honour of champion piper James Stone.
The event was held at the mayor’s parlour at City Hall, where James, his family, friends and band mates gathered to celebrate an extraordinary year for the pipe player.
Speaking to the Waterford News and Star, Mayor Ryan said it was “a wonderful day” because he got to acknowledge the many achievements of James Stone.
“2025 was a particularly good year for James, and I was delighted to be able to acknowledge that in the mayor’s office this week by having a mayoral reception for James.
“And I have no doubt that James will bring even more credit to his city, to his county, to the whole piping community in Waterford.
“He is truly a talented young man, and I have no doubt that he will bring more awards to Waterford,” said Mayor Ryan.
In his speech, Mayor Ryan outlined the champion pipe player’s most recent wins, the trophies for which were displayed at the event.
In February, James won the Leinster championships and came second in the Ardmore Cup.
He came third in the Ulster competitions and won the Munster championship.
His band won the United Kingdom Pipe Band competition in Edinburgh in July.
James went on to win the Gordon Duncan Memorial Competition in August, becoming the first Irish competitor to do so in the competition's current format.
He took home the All-Ireland Solo Piping senior title in September on only his third attempt.
“James ’ achievements reflect a high level of commitment, consistency and perseverance.
"They are a credit to him, those who support him and to Waterford and as mayor of Waterford, I want to congratulate James on an excellent year and wish him every continued success in the future, said Mayor Ryan.
James told the Waterford News and Star that he is proud of each and every competition he has placed in.
But the all-Ireland title, in particular, was a dream come true.
“The All-Irelands were the big thing for me because it’s always something when you are growing up, like everything, you want to win, so to tick it off on only my third attempt is brilliant after a third, fifth and then first, it's brilliant,” said James.
He credits his success to hard work and the support of his family and friends, without whom he could not do what he loves.
He said that he wanted to acknowledge his sister Elaine in Canada who could be at the reception, tutor in Carlow, Ronan Maguire and everyone else who has allowed him to flourish.
“So, to acknowledge all of my friends and family for their support, because I couldn’t do it without their support.
“I would just thank them and everyone for helping me and supporting me,” said James.
While James is keen to acknowledge all those who have supported him along the way, Mayor Ryan paid tribute to James himself in his speech.
“Jame’s achievements reflect a high level of commitment, consistency and perseverance.
"They are a credit to him, those who support him and to Waterford and as mayor of Waterford, I want to congratulate James on an excellent year and wish him every continued success in the future,” said Mayor Ryan.
James is part of an legacy of pipes in Waterford.
His father John played in Waterford for the De La Salle Scout Pipe Band, as did his sister Elaine.
Elaine, who now lives in Canada, has earned her own set of titles and continues to collect them abroad.
His brother David also continues the family tradition and is currently playing the Ilan pipes in county Clare.
“So, it is a family thing with the Stones. They have brought great credit to their city and county, and I have no doubt we will hear plenty more from them,” said Mayor Ryan.
James said that he was delighted to have his awards recognised by the mayor.
“I’m ecstatic. It’s lovely to have friends and family and loved ones here.
"So it’s a really nice feeling I have to say to be acknowledged for what was a great year really and yeh delighted,” said James.
While 2025 might have been a bumper year for James, he has been collecting his own titles since he was a teenager, also with De La Salle.
In addition to his solo accomplishments, he plays with the St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band in Dublin.
The band congratulated James this week in a post on social media, which said: “A huge congratulations to our James, who received a mayoral reception last night from Waterford City and County Council for all his achievements over the past few years.
“Some of which include winning the 2025 Senior All-Ireland Solo Piping Championships and the Gordon Duncan Memorial. We sure are proud to have a man of his talents in our pipe corps. On yersel’ James!” When he is not playing the pipes, James loves being on the hurling field.
Although he said that had taken a backseat to what was a phenomenal year.
