The 46th IABCB Contest recently took place in the O’Mahoney Hall in Dublin, where Drogheda Brass took the top brass band contesting honours.

Purcell

Conducted by Michael Maher, their joint performances of the set work, ‘Purcell Variations’ by Kenneth Downie and their own choice selection of ‘Psalms & Alleluias’ by Philip Wilby gave them a clear two point winning margin over second placed Stedfast Band, with Arklow Shipping in third.

In the Second Section, victory went to the sole entrant Navan Silver conducted by Paul Byrne, whilst in the Fourth Section it was HFC Brass Band who took the title under the baton of Nicholas Cooney.

Results:

First Section:
Set Work: Purcell Variations (Kenneth Dpwnie)
Adjudicator: Stephen Cairns
(Own Choice/Set Work)

1. Drogheda Brass (Michael Maher) – 46/90 = 136
2. Stedfast Band (Brian Daly) – 45/89 = 134
3. Arklow Shipping Silver (Brendan Breslin) – 44/87 = 131
4. Lourdes Brass (Harry Kelly) – 44/86 = 130

Second Section:
Set Work: The Once and Future King (Andrew Baker)

1. Navan Silver (Paul Byrne) – 45/89 = 134
Own Choice: Roman Triptych (Leigh Baker)

Fourth Section:
Own Choice

1. HFC Brass Band (Nicholas Cooney) – 42/84 = 126