One of our longest serving Band members, and experienced Drum Major, has recently retired from the Band. Tony "Sam" Coen has been involved with the Band since 1976 and is a Life Member.

Tony joined the Tas Irish Pipe Band in 1961 as a trainee side drummer. During the 1970s, Tony was promoted to Drum Sergeant but spent a lot of his time in the role of Drum Major. During this period, the Irish Band was a successful competition band and was State Champion Band for a number of years in succession. The Band disbanded in 1976 and most of the drum corps and some pipers joined the Hobart Highland. Tony became Drum Sergeat shortly after joining and managed to reap the Best Drum Corps trophy for the Band at a Tas Championship a few years later.

Some of Tony's memorable moments include - 

• Winning state's Best Drum Corps trophy
• Winning his first Best Drum Major's trophy at a State Competition in 1994
• Taking part of tattoos and other piping events, such as Aust Pipe Band Championships Tattoo (1972), Tas Military Tattoos (1976, 1977), Federation Tattoo (2005), Celebration in Launceston (2006)
• In 2007, was invited by Tas Police to play at the National Police Memorial Dedication in Canberra

Tony's contribution to the Band over the 30+ yrs has been considerable. He has contributed in the areas of side and bass drumming, and in the organisational wing of the Band. He has been Drum Sergeant and Drum Major for more years than most current Band members can remember! 

The Board and Band Members sincerely thank Tony for his significant contributions to the Band and wishes him every success for the future. As a life member of the Band, Tony will retain strong links to the Band and we hope that he will continue to participate in the fellowship of the Band.