Downshire wins North of Ireland Bands Association Championship
Downshire Brass won the North of Ireland Bands Association Championship title for the first time since 2018 at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh last weekend. Led by MD Michael Alcorn their fine performance of the set-work, 'A King's Lie' by Stan Nieuwenhuis saw them pip defending champion 1st Old Boys, depriving them of a hat-trick of wins. Third place went to 2019 winner Laganvale. Victory for Downshire also came with an invitation to represent Northern Ireland in the Challenge Section of the 2025 European Championships to be held in Stavanger. They also claimed the 'Best Overall Band of the Day' award.
Commenting on the win, a spokesperson for the band stated, “A massive thanks must go to all our players for their hard work and dedication, but a special mention must go to our Musical Director Prof. Michael Alcorn. His attention to detail and ever present enthusiasm drove the band to a brilliant performance. We want to congratulate all the competing bands who performed in Armagh and a special mention to Roughan Silver and Dungannon Silver on winning the silverware in their sections."
Results:
Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Sandy Smith
Set work: A King's Lie (Stan Nieuwenhuis)
1. Downshire Brass (Michael Alcorn): 190
2. 1st Old Boys Silver (Johnathan Corry): 189
3. Laganvale (Keith Anderson): 187
4. 3rd Carrickfergus (Brian Connolly): 186
5. Strabane (Charles Fyffe): 185
6. Murley Silver (Stephen Crooks): 184
Best Instrumentalist: Louise Bell (1st Old Boys)
Best Overall Band of the Day: Downshire Brass
Grade 2:
Adjudicator: Sandy Smith
Set work: Lake of the Moon (Kevin Houben)
1. Roughan Silver (Stephen Crooks): 186
2. Ballyduff Silver (William Hill): 184
3. CWA (Gary Proctor): 183
4. Comber Silver (Paul Hamilton): 181
5. Lourdes (N/K): 180
6. Dynamic Brass (Andrew McQuiggan): 179
Best Cornet Section: Roughan Silver
Best Bass Section: Roughan Silver
Grade 3:
Adjudicator: Sandy Smith
Set work: Argos (Stephen Hodel)
1. Dungannon Silver (Boris Pinto): 182
2. Poyntzpass Silver (Stanley Lutton): 180
3. Wellington Memorial Silver (Stephen Cairns): 179
4. St Marks Silver (Bob Quick): 178
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