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Irish National Championships

The Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands is delighted to publish the official results of the Besson 43rd National Band Championships of Ireland which took place in the University Concert Hall, Limerick on the 29th & 30th March 2008.

In an exciting climax to the Championship Weekend, Rathfarnham Concert Band beat incumbents Dublin Concert Band by the narrowest or margins achieving higher marks in the test piece for Section 1 Concert Midnight in Buenos Aires by Adam Gorb.  The results were also close in Section 1 Brass where Drogheda Brass Band retained their title against Arklow Shipping Silver Band.

“It was a thrilling end to a wonderful weekend of music-making” said John Kelly, PRO of the IABCB.  “We look forward to bringing the Besson Irish Championships to even greater heights next year”.

The adjudicator for the Championships was Mr. Michael Ball.

The full results of the Championships are:

Overall Besson 43rd National Band Championship of Ireland Winner:

Rathfarnham (Senior) Concert Band - 134pts

Section 1 Concert:

1. Rathfarnham (Senior) Concert Band - 134pts

2. Dublin Concert Band - 134pts

Section 1 Brass:

1. Drogheda Brass Band Michael – 130 pts

2. Arklow Shipping Silver Band – 124 pts

Section 2 Concert:

1. Ardee Concert Band – 130 pts

2. Lucan Concert Band – 128 pts

3. Boherbuoy Concert Band – 119 pts

Section 3 Concert:

1. Fermoy Concert Band – 127pts

2. Banna Chluain Meala – 123 pts

3. Midleton Concert Band – 118 pts

Section 3 Brass:

1. Dungarvan Brass Band – 122 pts

2. HFC Brass Band New Ross – 121 pts

3. C.J. Kickham Brass Band – 112 pts

Section 4 Concert:

1. Rathfarnham Concert Band – 121 pts

2. Knocklyon Concert Band – 118 pts        

Test pieces

Section 1 Brass:                       Chaucer’s Tunes by Michael Ball 

Available from Studio Music Company

Section 2 Brass:                       Psalm 98 by Paul Hamilton

Available from MMI Music

Section 1 Concert:                    Midnight in Buenos Aires by Adam Gorb

Available from Studio Music

Section 2 Concert:                    A Cambrian Suite by Michael Ball

Available from Studio Music

Section 3 Concert:                    Concert Prelude by Philip Sparke

                                                Available from G&M Brand

Above: University Concert Hall Limerick at night.

Below:  Vincent Kennedy accepts trophy for first place from Michael Ball

Below:  Gavin Maloney, DCB accepts trophy for second place from Tim Barrett (Besson).

Below: Mr Frank Bourke, percussionist with the Boherbuoy Brass & Reed Band accepts a presentation in recognition of 33 years of unbroken membership of the Band.  Frank will celebrate his 90th birthday later this year.