The Lourdes Band directed by former Black Dyke cornet player Michael Hannan (above) has been crowned Irish National Champion at the recent Irish Association of Brass & Concert Bands National Championships in Cork.

First time

The Drogheda based band took the honours for the first time in the Championship Section of the event which this year celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The result means that the band will now represent Ireland at the European Brass Band Championships in Lille in 2016.

Four bands competed in the top section event, where they were required to impress adjudicator Michael Ball with their performances of the set work ‘Oceans’ by Goff Richards alongside their own choice selections.

Lourdes added ‘Labour & Love’ by Percy Fletcher, to pip runner-up the Steadfast Band by a single point, with defending champion Drogheda in third.

All four

With all of Ireland’s top bands competing on the day, the audience waited nervously as it came time for the results, with Michael Ball commended all bands who took part and the standard of playing he had heard.

In the end though the title went to Lourdes, with Band Chairman Niall Whelan later telling 4BR: “The members are delighted with this fantastic win, and look forward to representing Ireland and the people of Drogheda in the European Championships in 2016.”

Result:

Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Michael Ball

Set Test/Own Choice = Total

1. Lourdes Brass: 91/45 = 136
2. Steadfast Band: 90/45 = 135
3. Drogheda Brass: 88/46 = 134
4. Arklow Shipping: 89/44 = 133

Section 3:

Set Test/Own Choice = Total

1. St Nicholas Brass Band
2. HFC Brass Band New Ross