The Solstice Arts Centre in Navan was the venue for the recent 49th National Band Championships of Ireland.

18 of the best brass and concert bands from across the country came together for two outstanding days of music making, with adjudicator John Doyle commenting that he had enjoyed ‘some fantastic performances’.

Drogheda victory

Drogheda Brass warmed up for their appearance in the Challenge Section at the European Championships in Perth (above) by winning the Section 1 title in fine style under the baton of Michael Maher.

The executive committee also took the opportunity to thank our sponsors Navan Town Council, Navan Chamber of Commerce and Meath County Council for their additional support.

Excellence

IABCB Chairperson, Stephen Murray told 4BR: "The event was helped enormously by the excellence of the work of Kevin Reilly (Stage Manager), Aisling Reilly (Steward) and Sinead Nutley (Steward), as well as the staff and management of Solstice Arts Centre and Paul Byrne bringing the contest to the town."

Drogheda Brass warmed up for their appearance in the Challenge Section at the European Championships in Perth by winning the Section 1 title in fine style under the baton of Michael Maher4BR

Brass Band Results:

Section 1:
Adjudicator: John Doyle
Test Piece: Variations on Laudate Dominum (Edward Gregson0

1. Drogheda Brass (Michael Maher) — 145
2. Downshire Brass (Michael Alcorn) — 144
3. Lourdes Brass (Michael Hannon) — 141
4. Arklow Shipping Silver Band (Alan Corry) — 140

Section 4:
Adjudicator: John Doyle
Own Choice Programme: March, Slow Tune and Original Piece

1. Irish National Foresters Band (Jack Regan) — 131