It was a case of third time lucky for Irish conductor James MacCafferty with the Arklow Shipping Silver Band at the recent South of Ireland Championships.

Growing team

Having earlier in the summer collected third place at the NABBC Young Conductors' Contest a delighted MacCafferty told 4BR: "We have a growing team of juniors who are adding a new energy and focus to the band.

"This twinned with our experienced members augurs well for the future. They were deserved winners and have worked extremely hard over the last twelve months."

We have a growing team of juniors who are adding a new energy and focus to the bandMD, James MacCafferty

Champions

The band were crowned champions by adjudicator Denis Wilby and also collected the 'Best Bass' and 'Best Brass' section awards.

The competition is an enternainment contest attracting wind and brass bands from all over Ireland to Clonakilty in West Cork, and 18 bands took part.

Bold

Described as a 'bold' choice of programme, the band performed their signature march 'Arknell', written specifically for their 40th anniversary by their President Derek Broadbent, 'Love on the Rocks', ''Neath the Dublin Skies', 'Benedictus' and 'The Headless Horseman'.

Soloists Tommy Byrne, Jimmy Connolly and Lorraine Lee were all praised by the adjudicator for their exceptional performances.