The Lourdes Brass Band organisation recently enjoyed a winning double at the 37th South of Ireland Championships in Clonakilty in County Cork.

Under the baton of Prof Michael Alcorn, the senior band took the Senior Section honours, whilst Lourdes Brass Youth Band (LBB2) under Mark Shortt scooped the title in the Junior Section.

Support

Over 60 players and supporters travelled to the contest, and with thirty brass and concert bands competing on the day it proved to be a highly enjoyable event for the audience and judges, Capt Brain Prendergast and Tom Davoren.

LBB2 certainly gave a wonderful performance in the Junior Section; opening with the classic march 'Slaidburn,' followed by 'Pie Jesu', featuring soloists Lucy O Malley and Adele Maguire, before closing with a splendid rendition of 'African Funk' featuring soloist Tara Shortt.

When Thunder Calls

Meanwhile, the senior Lourdes Brass Band opened with 'When Thunder Calls' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, followed by the march 'Blaze Away'. Cornet soloist Mark Newman gave a moving performance of 'Rusalka's Song to the Moon' before they closed with another PLC work, 'You've Been Warned'.

Not only did both bands take the title honours, but the senior band claimed the 'Robert McDonald Cup' for 'Best March' and the 'Robbie Tiernan Cup' for the 'Best Trombone Section'.

Both titles

Lourdes Brass Band now hold both the South of Ireland and North of Ireland Championship titles — and the organisation become the first in 37 years to win both Junior and Senior Sections in the same year.

Earlier this year they played in the Challenge Section of the European Championships in Lille.

Thanks

Band Chairman Niall Whelan told 4BR: "We would like to thank all members of the organisation for all their hard work, and to the supporters who travelled to Clonakilty.

We would also like to give a special mention to both conductors Michael Alcorn and Mark Shortt as well as the contest organising committee and the people of Clonakilty for the warm welcome that we received. We look forward to returning in 2017."

Lourdes Brass Band now hold both the South of Ireland and North of Ireland Championship titles — and the organisation become the first in 37 years to win both Junior and Senior Sections in the same year4BR

Results:

Junior Section:
1. Lourdes BB2
2. Banna Chluain Meala Youth Band
3. St Fachtna's Junior Silver Band

Junior Musicianship Award: (cornet) — St Fachtna's Silver Band

Intermediate Category:
1. Clonmel Concert Band
2. Fermoy Concert Band
3. City of Waterford Brass Band

Senior Category:
1. Lourdes Brass Band
2. Ardee Concert Band
3. Cork Philharmonic Winds

Special Awards:
Best Bass Section: City of Waterford Brass
Best March: Lourdes Brass Band
Best Trombone Performance: Lourdes Brass Band

Adjudicator Award (Intermediate): (flugel) — City of Waterford Brass