The 47th Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands (IABCB) National Band Championships were held last weekend in the wonderful surroundings of the Cork School of Music.

In total, 19 bands turned out across the eight sections, including 7 youth bands.

Terrific

IABCB General Secretary Stephen Murray commented to 4BR: "It was another terrific Championship. We are delighted that so many youth bands in particular entered this year.

While the competition is important to every band that competes it is encouraging for us all moving forward that there are so many young musicians keeping the banding tradition alive in this country."

Top honours

On a weekend that saw some terrific performances, Drogheda Brass took top honours in Section 1 Brass for the sixth consecutive year, as well as the prize for the ‘Best Overall Band’ of the Championships.

A spokesperson for Drogheda commented: "This is a terrific achievement for the band. We have worked hard since the turn of the year and this is the culmination of a lot of hard work by everyone."

Wins

Elsewhere there were wins for Lourdes Brass, Ennis Brass and Dungarvon Brass in Sections 2, 3 and 4 Brass respectively. In the Concert Band sections there were wins for Dublin Concert, St. James Brass & Reed, Lucan Concert Band and Banna Chluain Meala.

The adjudicator for the weekend was Adam Gorb.

This is a terrific achievement for the band. We have worked hard since the turn of the year and this is the culmination of a lot of hard work by everyoneDrogheda Brass

Full Results:
Adjudicator: Adam Gorb

Section 1 Brass:
Own Choice/Test Piece = Total

1. Drogheda Brass: 47/90 = 137
2. Arklow Shipping Silver : 45/89 = 134
3. Stedfast Band: 43/89 = 132

Section 2 Brass:
1. Lourdes Brass: 40/82 = 122

Section 3 Brass:
1. Ennis Brass: 41/81 = 122

Section 4 Brass:
1. Dungarvon Brass: 42/82 = 124

Section 1 Concert:
1. Dublin Concert: 44/84 = 128

Section 2 Concert:
1. St. James Brass & Reed: 46/83 = 129
2. Ardee Concert: 37/80 = 117
3. Boherbuoy Concert: 44/70 = 114

Section 3 Concert:
1. Lucan Concert: 40/83 = 123
2. Rathfarnham Intermediate: 43/77 = 120
3. St. Mary's Kingscourt: 39/80 = 119

Section 4 Concert:
1. Banna Chluain Meala: 43/82 = 125
2. Ardee Youth Concert: 42/82 = 124
3. Middleton Concert: 41/78 = 119
3. Tallaght Festival: 41/78 = 119
5. Rathfarnham Junior: 40/77 = 117
6. Finglas Concert: 40/76 = 116

Best Section 1 Band: Drogheda Brass
Best Overall Band of Championships: Drogheda Brass