A Limavady man performed in the spectacular opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics last week which was watched by billions of people all over the world.

By Orla McNicholl

orla@derrypost.com

Stuart Martin, who now lives in Dundee, where he attends university, performed four songs with the Main of Fintry Pipe Band at the opening ceremony in The Bird’s Nest Stadium on Friday.

Stuart, a snare drummer, who has been a member of the band for six months, was overwhelmed by the whole experience.

“I couldn’t possibly put into words how fantastic it was,” said Stuart.

“The opening night was just amazing and it was just unbelievable to be a part of that.”

Sixteen members of the small Scottish pipe band played Scotland the Brave as European Athletes entered the National Stadium.

Stuart said: “It was just brilliant for the band to represent the whole of Europe at the ceremony and for me personally it was such an honour.”

The 22-year-old said the band initially thought a practical joke was being played on them when they received an invite to perform at the prestigious event.

“When we received the email, we thought it had to be a joke but it was only when more emails started coming through that we realised it was real.  We were all so overwhelmed that our band was chosen over so many other bands.”

The architecture student said he is indebted to his uncle, Colm Martin, from Limavady, who introduced him to drumming.

“My uncle Colm got me into drumming before I left Limavady and I’d really like to thank him for that.

“I would also like to thank Drum Sergeant Richard Stewart for dedicating his time to teach me the drum scores and Pipe Major Richard Smith for giving me the opportunity to play such a memorable event with an amazing group of people,” Stuart added.