March 29th 2008 saw the band make the long trip down to Limerick for the IABCB Championships of Ireland. The band having won last year in New Ross where hoping to create history by retaining the National title for the first time in our history.

The band played Paul Lovatt Coopers “The Dark Side of the Moon” as their own choice and the set piece was Michael Ball’s “Chaucer’s Tunes” who was also the adjudicator. The band opened the section which only featured two bands this year. The band played exceptionally well under a lot of pressure and it was clear after their performance that it would take two good performances to beat us. Arklow Shipping Silver Band where the other band and they played an old brass band classic called “A Moorside Suite” by Gustav Holst. Under their new musical director Stuart Anderson they played very well and needless to say come results time both bands knew that it was going to be close.

To our delight we retained the title we won last year, winning by six points and thus making history. This was a massive achievement for the band especially seeing as we were up against such strong opposition in Arklow. It was great to have Arklow return this year after a year out and they will no doubt return next year to continue the friendly rivalry between the two bands. However it was to be Drogheda’s day and we will now go forward with the hope of completing a hat trick next year.

A massive amount of credit must go to Michael Maher who’s hard work, patience and guidance has been an inspiration to us all and we look forward to continued success under his guidance.

IABCB Section 1 Brass Champions 2008

Result: Own Choice Test Piece Total

Drogheda Brass Band 45 85 130

Arklow Silver Band 41 83 124