The North of Ireland Brass Band Championship was held at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh recently, where Murley Silver, directed by William Hill, was crowned 2014 champion with a fine performance of the set work, ‘Salome’ by Gareth Wood.

Hard fought

In a hard fought battle with rivals Downshire Brass and 1st Old Boys, adjudicator Stan Lippeatt remarked that the difference between the prize winners lay in the quality of the main soloists — something marked by Murley’s solo cornet player, taking the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award.

Not only did Murley claim the title and the Robert Adair Memorial Cup for the first time since 2008, but they also booked their place to represent Northern Ireland in the Challenge Section of the 2016 European Championships in Lille, France.

Drogheda victory

In the Second Grade contest, Drogheda Brass took the Symington Cup and a clean sweep of the individual awards ahead of Roughan and Lourdes, thanks to their performance of ‘Renaissance’ by Peter Graham.

Section awards

Wellington Silver’s well worked renditon of Rodney Newton’s ‘Four Cities Symphony’ saw then claim the Third Grade honours with Dungannon Silver taking the Fourth Grade title on the set work, ‘St Michael’s Mount’.

Dynamic Brass took the own choice Fifth Grade award with the Youth Section won by 1st Old Boys Youth.

Not only did Murley claim the title for the first time since 2008, but they also booked their place to represent Northern Ireland in the Challenge Section of the 2016 European Championships4BR

Results:

Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Stan Lippeatt

1. Murley Silver (William Hill) — 189
2. Downshire Brass (Michael Alcorn) — 188
3. 1st Old Boys (Stephen Cairns) — 186
4. Strabane Concert Brass (Peter Christian) — 185

Best Overall performance of the Day — Murley Silver

Second Grade:
1. Drogheda Brass -184
2. Roughan -182
3. Lourdes -181

Best Cornet Section: Drogheda Brass
Best Bass Section: Drogheda Brass

Third Grade:
1. Wellington Silver — 176
2. St Marks — 175

Fourth Grade:
1. Dungannon Silver — 172

Fifth Grade:
1. Dynamic Brass -170

Youth Section:
1. 1st Old Boys Youth Band — 180