Report & Results: 2022 NIBA Championships

1st Old Boys lead the way in Armagh to secure European qualification and a place in the history books.

There was a wonderful atmosphere to savour at the Market Theatre in Armagh on the weekend as the 104th North of Ireland Bands Association Championships took place.

The previous week had seen a visit of the newly crowned British Open Champion Brighouse & Rastrick led by Prof David King which rounded off a day of wind and accordion band competition.

High quality playing

However, the brass band event also saw plenty of high quality playing with adjudicator Sheona Wade commenting on the excellent standard.

That was certainly the case with the comprehensive Championship Section victory by 1st Old Boys Band led by Jonathan Corry, which not only saw them retain the title in fine style, but also secure qualification to represent Northern Ireland at the 2024 European Championships in Lithuania.

Fully justified

It was also a record-breaking 17th NIBA success — the most in the event's long history, with the four-point margin fully justified as they delivered a sparkling rendition of Martin Ellerby's 'Chivalry'. Recent star soprano signing Martin Britt deservedly claimed the 'Best Instrumentalist' award

Third Carrickfergus was second, with Strabane Brass a further two points back in third.

Adjudicator Sheona Wade commented, "that there was only one clear winner, and it is a performance that could hold its own against any across the water."

Victory also saw the band presented with the accolade of given the 'Best Overall Performance of the Day' with MD Jonathan Corry taking the 'Best Conductor' prize.

Excellent performance

A 1st Old Boys spokesperson told 4BR: "It was an excellent performance that gave us an excellent victory. Jonathan has worked the band so hard and with such a renewed purpose since taking over alongside our Resident Conductor Stephen Cairns and the results could be heard from the stage.

We must also thank Martin Britt who was the most welcome of signings and whose playing and personality was a great fit for us. We look forward to seeing him again soon for some more tips on playing and also on hair products!"

They added: "The victory means a great deal in terms of the history it created and with the opportunity it brings as we can now start to plan for Palanga in 2024."

Roughan and Dynamic title wins

In the Grade 2 contest there was title success for Roughan Silver as they reclaimed the honours for the firts time since 2018 ahead of Ballyduff Silver and defending champion CWA Brass.

Dynamic Brass, who were only formed in 2013 continued their solid progress by claiming a hat-trick of Grade 3 titles under MD, Andrew McQuiggan, ahead of rivals St Marks Silver and Poyntzpass Silver.

Jonathan has worked the band so hard and with such a renewed purpose since taking over alongside our Resident Conductor Stephen Cairns and the results could be heard from the stage1st Old Boys

Championship Section:

Test Piece: Chivalry (Martin Ellerby)
Adjudicator: Sheona Wade

1. 1st Old Boys Silver (Jonathan Corry): 98
2. Third Carrickfergus (Brian Connolly): 94
3. Strabane Brass (Charles Fyffe): 92
4. Laganvale Metal Technology (Keith Anderson): 91
5. Downshire Brass (Michael Alcorn): 90

Best Instrumentalist: Martin Britt (soprano) — 1st Old Boys
Best Overall Performance of the Day: 1st Old Boys

Grade 2:

Test Piece: Kaleidoscope (Philip Sparke)

1. Roughan Silver (Stephen Crooks): 94
2. Ballyduff Silver (William Hill): 92
3. CWA Brass (Gary Proctor): 90
4. Drogheda Brass (Brian Daly): 88
5. Lourdes Brass (Cormac O'Haidain): 87
6. Comber Silver (Wesley Thompson): 85
7. Wellington Memorial (David Hawthorne): 84

Best Cornet Section: Ballyduff Silver
Best Bass Section: Roughan Silver