Second Grade Victory in North of Ireland Championships
by Trevor Johnston
The Drogheda Brass Band made history in Belfast on Saturday 25th October 1997 when they became the first brass band from the Republic of Ireland to win a section at the North of Ireland Championships for the second time following their terrific victory in the second grade section.
The result is as important, if not more, than the results earlier this year at the National Championships where the band came second in Championship Brass. The result was achieved after a month of hectic schedules by all members and especially the conductor.
All the members would just like to show their appreciation for our Musical Director Michael Maher, who over the last four years has brought the band back up to this competitive level again after more than ten years.
Everyone was impressed with the control and expression shown during the performance, or the "twelve minutes of concentration", as Band Sergeant and Solo Horn player Martin Cassidy put it just before playing. Importantly, control was also shown during quiet, tonal passages, a failing which has been noted in recent years by adjudicators.
The band was awarded 190 points out of a total of 200, two points ahead of second placed Carrickfergus, an indication that adjudicator Roy Roe felt that the band was well worthy of the win. National Championships 1998, here we come!!!