Drogheda Brass, under conductor Michael Maher, retained their Irish
title in the University Concert Hall, Limerick, on Saturday 29th
March, finishing 6 points clear of runners-up Arklow Shipping Silver Band.

Exciting climax

In an exciting climax to the Championship Weekend, Rathfarnham Concert Band beat incumbents Dublin Concert Band by the narrowest or margins achieving higher marks in the test piece for Section 1 Concert Midnight in Buenos Aires by Adam Gorb.

It was a thrilling end to a wonderful weekend of music-makingJohn Kelly

Thrilling end

The results were also close in Section 1 Brass where Drogheda Brass Band retained their title against Arklow Shipping Silver Band.

"It was a thrilling end to a wonderful weekend of music-making," said John Kelly, PRO of the IABCB. "We look forward to bringing the Besson Irish Championships to even greater heights next year.".

The adjudicator for the Championships was Michael Ball.

Full Results:

Overall Besson 43rd National Band Championship of Ireland Winner:
Rathfarnham (Senior) Concert Band — 134pts

Section 1 Concert:
1. Rathfarnham (Senior) Concert Band — 134pts
2. Dublin Concert Band — 134pts

Section 1 Brass:
1. Drogheda Brass Band Michael — 130pts
2. Arklow Shipping Silver Band — 124pts

Section 2 Concert:
1. Ardee Concert Band — 130pts
2. Lucan Concert Band — 128pts
3. Boherbuoy Concert Band — 119pts

Section 3 Concert:
1. Fermoy Concert Band — 127pts
2. Banna Chluain Meala — 123pts
3. Midleton Concert Band — 118 pts

Section 3 Brass:
1. Dungarvan Brass Band — 122pts
2. HFC Brass Band New Ross — 121pts
3. C.J. Kickham Brass Band — 112pts

Section 4 Concert:
1. Rathfarnham Concert Band — 121pts
2. Knocklyon Concert Band — 118pts