Drogheda sets new record while host town Ardee win big at National Band Championships
Ardee Concert Band's Senior Band topped Section 1 Concert, claiming First Prize in their first-ever home victory, They also earned Best Supporting Section for their Double Reed Players – Betty Roddy, Gerry Farrell and Wendel Frietas – and Best Brass Award for their outstanding brass ensemble. Crowning their achievements, Ardee was named Best Band of the Championships under the baton of Musical Director Mr. Ronan O'Reilly.
Adjudicator Dr Jonathon Corry, Musical Director of the 1st Old Boys Brass Band, praised the community band for 'a fine performance with great technique,' noting that it was 'well directed.'
The celebrations continued for Ardee as their Intermezzo Ensemble achieved Second Place in Section 3 Concert, just behind winners St Mary's Brass and Reed Band of Kingscourt. The Ardee Ensemble featured 40 young musicians, many performing in competition for the first time under the direction of Mr James MacCafferty.
'This is a huge experience for these young musicians and coming away with a win in their first competitive Session is an added Bonus,' said Band PRO Sinéad Behan. "Musicianship in Ardee Concert Band is in a strong position and the future is well and truly secure for many years to come.'
Meanwhile, history was also made in the Brass Band competitions as Drogheda Brass Band won a record-breaking 16th National Band Championship title, surpassing the previous record of 15 titles jointly held with Arklow Silver Band.
Performing Philip Sparke's 'Evolution' as their test piece, Drogheda Brass Band, under the expert baton of conductor Stephen Murray delivered a stunning performance that earned the a top score of 188 points in Section 1 Brass, narrowly edging out the Navan Silver Band, conducted by Kevin Teers, who scored 186 points. Lourdes Brass Band secured third place with 185 points. This victory not only underscores Drogheda Brass Band's dedication and excellence in the brass band community but also sets a new benchmark in the history of the championships.
Adding to their triumph, Drogheda's soprano coronet player, Luke Murphy, was awarded Best Instrumentalist in Section 1 Brass for his outstanding performance.
Band Vice-Chair Brian Murphy expressed the band's delight at the achievement, saying: 'The level of competition this was exceptional. Every band brought their best and it was an honour to come out as winners in a great contest."
'I'd also like to congratulate Ardee Concert Band, not only for hosting such a brilliant event, but for winning their own grade in the Concert Band Section 1, beating off stiff competition from Dublin Concert Band,' added Murphy.
Throughout the day, sixteen bands from across Ireland, including Dublin, Kildare, Galway, Cavan, Louth, Meath, Wicklow and Offaly, showcased their talents and competed across various Brass and Concert sections. The event, organised by the Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands (IABCB), marked a memorable day for Irish bands, celebrating musical excellence, new milestones, and the strength of community music in Louth and across Ireland.
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