Crowds came to Clonakilty for another spectacular South of Ireland Band Championships and Old Time Fair on Saturday last, July 4th, as the annual event attracted 25 bands from all over the country
CROWDS came to Clonakilty for another spectacular South of Ireland Band Championships and Old Time Fair on Saturday last, July 4th, as the annual event attracted 25 bands from all over the country, whose ‘own-choice’ repertoires included an optional piece of American music to celebrate Independence Day.
The streets were back to normal after extensive structural works, and the sun shone, while the odd threat of rain held off as people explored the Old Time Fair attractions and enjoyed the recitals provided by the visiting bands at many outdoor locations.
Ardee Concert Band was declared the senior category winner, while Clara Town Band and Drogheda Youth band were first in the intermediate and junior categories respectively. Clonakilty’s Junior Band came second in their category.
Plans are already afoot for next year’s event, which will be held on Saturday, July 2nd.
Results
The full results were – Junior Section: 1 Drogheda Youth Brass Band, 2 Clonakilty Junior Brass Band, 3 CJ Kickham Brass & Reed Junior Band, Tipperary. Intermediate Section: 1 Clara Town Band, Co Offaly, 2 Clonmel Concert Band, 3 City of Waterford Brass Band.
Senior Section: 1 Ardee Concert Band, 2 Lourdes Brass Band, Drogheda, 3 Dublin Concert Band.
Special Awards – Jack O’Mahony Cup for Junior Musicianship: Drogheda Youth Band. Solo Trumpet: Barrack Street Youth Band, Cork. Celebratory 4th of July Piece: Midleton Junior Concert Band; Clonmel Concert Band; Ardee Concert Band. Patsy O’Driscoll Cup for Best Bass Section: Lourdes Brass Band.
Two Adjudicator Awards: City of Waterford Brass – Junior Players; Cornet Soloist: Carrick-on-Suir.
Best Percussion: Dublin Concert Band. Best woodwind: Clara Town Band. Best Musical Arrangement: Fergus O’Carroll, Dublin Concert Band.
Best March: Ardee Concert Band. Best Repertoire: Ardee Concert Band.
Best Brass Section: Lourdes Brass Band. Best Trombone Performance: Lourdes Brass Band. Spirit of the Festival Award: Blanchardstown Brass Band.
*****
Click here to sign up to our mailing list and get the best of West Cork delivered straight to your inbox.