Ardee Shines on Home Stage with Major Wins at National Band Championships
Ardee News and Sport – Ardee Shines on Home Stage with Major Wins at National Band Championships
Ardee was bursting with pride and celebration last Saturday as it hosted the 57th National Band Championships for the very first time — and its hometown performers didn’t disappoint. In a landmark moment for the town, the Ardee Concert Band not only flawlessly hosted the prestigious national event, but also walked away with several top honours, including the coveted title of Best Band of the Championships.
The Bohemian Centre on Jervis Street played host to a musical spectacle on April 26, drawing sixteen bands from across Ireland to compete in multiple categories across both Concert and Brass sections. Enthusiasm was high, and Ardee delivered — both as organisers and competitors.
Ardee Concert Band’s Senior Band made history by claiming First Prize in Section 1 Concert, their first-ever home victory in the top tier. Under the expert direction of Musical Director Mr. Ronan O’Reilly, the band also picked up Best Supporting Section for their Double Reed players — Betty Roddy, Gerry Farrell and Wendel Frietas — and the Best Brass Award for their standout brass ensemble.
Adjudicator Dr. Jonathon Corry, Musical Director of the 1st Old Boys Brass Band, praised Ardee’s performance as “a fine display with great technique” and “well directed.” His glowing feedback added to the buzz of achievement felt throughout the hall.
Adding further accolades, Ardee’s Intermezzo Ensemble took Second Place in Section 3 Concert, narrowly edged out by St. Mary’s Brass and Reed Band of Kingscourt. Featuring 40 young musicians, many of whom were competing for the first time, the ensemble was directed by Mr. James MacCafferty and hailed as a symbol of Ardee’s strong musical future.
“This is a huge experience for these young musicians,” said Band PRO Sinéad Behan. “And coming away with a win in their first competitive session is an added bonus. Musicianship in Ardee Concert Band is in a strong position and the future is well and truly secure.”
Meanwhile, history was made in the Brass Band category as Drogheda Brass Band secured a record-breaking 16th National Band Championship title, surpassing Arklow Silver Band’s previous joint record. Their performance of Philip Sparke’s “Evolution”, conducted by Stephen Murray, earned a winning score of 188 points, just ahead of Navan Silver Band (186) and Lourdes Brass Band (185).
Drogheda’s Luke Murphy was named Best Instrumentalist in Section 1 Brass for his virtuoso soprano cornet performance. Band Vice-Chair Brian Murphy praised the high calibre of competition and gave credit to Ardee’s achievements, stating:
“It was an honour to come out as winners in a great contest. I’d also like to congratulate Ardee Concert Band, not only for hosting such a brilliant event but for winning their own grade — they were superb.”
The National Band Championships, organised by the Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands (IABCB), featured bands from Dublin, Kildare, Galway, Cavan, Meath, Wicklow, Offaly, and beyond. The event was a celebration of musical excellence and community spirit — and for Ardee, a momentous day that will live long in the town’s proud cultural memory.
