The 51st IABCB National Band Championships were held at the Solstice Arts Centre, Navan earlier this month where adjudicator Jonathan Crowhurst and a supportive audience enjoyed plenty of fine playing from the competing brass band concert bands over the two days.

Presentation

The Association was also delighted to award honourary life membership to Pat Dunleavy, John Doyle, Matt Stafford and Chirsty Smith for their incredible contributions to the Irish banding movement over the past half century and more, whilst best wishes were sent to Lourdes Brass as they represent the nation at the European Championships this weekend in Lille.

However it was Drogheda Brass under Michael Maher's baton who took the honours in Section 1, with a solid brace of performances of the set-work, 'The Mermaid of Zennor' and their own-choice selection of 'Psalms & Alleluias' by Philip Wilby.

Clean sweep

Lourdes had to be content with second place as Drogheda also made it a hat-trick clean sweep of the 'Best Own-Choice', 'Best Section 1' and 'Best Overall' awards, despite a fine duo of the set-work and their own-choice of 'Rhapsody in Brass', whilst Arklow was their as they delivered a well worked 'Fantasy for Brass Band' as their own-choice effort.

Drogheda Brass under Michael Maher's baton who took the honours in Section 1, with a solid brace of performances of the set-work, 'The Mermaid of Zennor' and their own-choice selection of 'Psalms & Alleluias'4BR

Result:

Section 1:
Test-Piece 'The Mermaid of Zennor' (Philip Harper)

1. Drogheda Brass (Michael Maher): 44/95 = 139
2. Lourdes Brass (Michael Hannan): 43/94 = 137
3. Arklow Shipping Silver (James MacCafferty): 42/92 = 134
4. The Stedfast Band (Brian Daly): 41/91 = 132

Best Own Choice: Drogheda Brass Band
Best Section 1 Band (Brass and Concert): Drogheda Brass Band
Best Overall Band of the Championships: Drogheda Brass Band