The Lourdes Brass Band has successfully challenged in the North of Ireland Band Championships taking first place. The test piece selection of “Purcell Variations” by Kenneth Downie was performed to a high standard by all the competing bands.

Adjudicator Mr. Alan Fernie had the unenviable task of ranking the performances. The Lourdes Brass Band from Drogheda were delighted with Alan’s decision to award the Band 1st place scoring 187pts. The Lourdes Bands Musical Director Prof. Michael Alcorn also gained additional recognition and award for his conducting skills.

Prof. M. Alcorn congratulated the entire band on their performance and commended the fine playing of the bands soloist's Mr.Mark Newman (Principal Cornet), Mrs LeeAnne Kelly (Principal Tenor Horn) for their superb delivery on the day. The Bands newest recruits, who have just recently transitioned from the Lourdes Youth Band to our Senior band also gained special praise from our Musical Director Prof M. Alcorn.

As ever the hospitality we received in the Armagh Market Place Theatre from both the N.I.B.A. event organisers and our fellow Brass Band community was very welcome and much appreciated.