Drogheda Victory at IABCB Championships

The annual Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands National Championships took place at the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone recently. Drogheda Brass Band claimed the title for a record equalling 15th time, under the debut leadership of conductor Stephen Murray, who took up the baton in May last year. Adjudicator Sarah Groarke-Booth described the band as "a clear winner" on the set-work, 'The Lost Village of Imber' by Christopher Bond. The band added to its accolades as euphonium player Anthony Murphy was also awarded the 'Best Instrumentalist' prize.

Speaking afterwards, band conductor Stephen praised the band for their commitment to delivering an exhilarating performance on the stage. “They have all worked so hard since the start of year and I would like to give special praise to our youngsters who all played with levels of maturity far beyond their age.” Band president Tony Collins, one of three band members to have won all 15 of those titles alongside Michael Plunkett and Martin Cassidy, echoed those sentiments: “This win really is a credit to our model of introducing new beginners every year and having them progress through to eventually join the senior band. These youngsters are the future of the band, and who knows, maybe they’ll go on to win even more titles than me!”

In Section 2, Irish National Foresters took the honours under Mark Nutley, whilst a richly deserved Honorary Lifetime IABCB Membership award for services to bands in Ireland was presented to Francis Duffy of Navan Silver Band. Full results are below:

Section 1:
Adjudicator: Sarah Groake-Booth
Test Piece: The Lost Village of Imber (Christopher Bond)

1. Drogheda Brass Band (Stephen Murray): 188
2. Lourdes Brass Band (Gavin Warren): 186
3. Stedfast Band (Brian Daly): 182
4. Navan Silver Band (Kevin Teers): 181

Best Instrumentalist — Anthony Murphy (euphonium) — Drogheda Brass Band

Section 2:
Adjudicator: Sarah Groake-Booth
Own Choice:

1. INF Brass Band (Mark Nutley): 182

Best Overall Band of the Championship: Drogheda Brass Band

For more news, features, articles and reviews, subscribe to BBW Digital, available to read online (annual subscription: £30), or subscribe to BBW's printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World). Alternatively, receive both the Digital and printed editions combined: £55 (UK); £83 (Europe); £96 (rest of the world) - saving 50% on the Digital edition. Click here to subscribe!