BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

6 July 2024 • Clonakilty, West Cork

Thank you for the music

RULES AND ENTRY FORM CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Please complete the entry form and return it as soon as possible but not later than Friday April 5th. Please post hard copies of Entry Form and Child Protection Policy or alternatively send by email. We look forward to your participation. If you know of any other band which has not come to Clonakilty  in the past, please pass on the word. You are our best referees! If we do not have your email address, kindly let us have it so that we can communicate through that medium. 

Yours sincerely,

Gerald O Driscoll

(Bands Coordinator)

2 Curraghrane Beg, North Ring, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

Mobile: 086-8231341 Email: [email protected]

RESULTS FOR 42nd BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

Junior Category

 

  1. Fermoy Youth Band
  2. Knocklyon Concert Band
  3. Clara Junior Band

 

Special Awards in Junior Category

 

  • Jack O’ Mahony Cup for Best Junior Musicianship Knocklyon Concert Band
  • Adjudicator Award Fermoy Youth Band Best Percussion Section
  • Adjudicator Award Clara Junior Band for Deportment

 

Intermediate Category

 

  1. Cork Barrack Street Band
  2. Fermoy Concert Band
  3. Midleton Concert Band

 

Special Awards in Intermediate Category

 

  • Patsy O’ Driscoll Cup for Best Bass Section Blanchardstown Brass Band
  • DeBarra’s Cup for Best Percussion Cork Barrack Street Band
  • Best Woodwind Fermoy Concert Band
  • Best Musical Arrangement St Mary's Brass & Reed Band Kingscourt
  • Robert Mc Donald Cup for Best March Cork Barrack Street Band
  • Adjudicator Award Xylophone Player - St Fachtnas Silver Band

 

Senior Category

 

  1. Dublin Concert Band
  2. The Elastic Band
  3. Ardee Concert Band

 

Special Awards in Senior Category

 

  1. Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra Award for Best Original/Concert Band Piece Clonmel Concert Band 
  2. The Pierce Hickey Cup for Best Repertoire Dublin Concert Band
  3. Pa Phelan Cup for Best Euphonium Section Clonakilty Brass Band
  4. Robert Tiernan Cup for Best Trombone Performance St James's Brass & Reed Band
  5. Brawny Wycherley Perpetual Cup for Best Brass Section Lourdes Brass Band
  6. Adjudicator Award for Most Entertaining Band The Elastic Band
  7. The Maurice Shanley Memorial Perpetual Cup for the Spirit of the Festival Award Boherbuoy Brass & Reed Band

As the curtain falls on the 42nd South of Ireland Band Championships, we gratefully acknowledge all of you who made Saturday, July 1st, 2023 such a special day in Clonakilty. We look forward to welcoming you all back next year.

Thank you for the music.

 

FESTIVAL OF WEST CORK

incorporating the

41st South of Ireland Band Championships

SATURDAY 1ST JULY 2023 SOUTH OF IRELAND BAND CHAMPIONSHIP 

Notice to all Participating Bands

Adjudicators: Mr John Doyle will adjudicate the Junior and Senior categories and Mr Christopher Bond will adjudicate the Intermediate category.

Route Map to Venues can be viewed here

Running Order of Bands 2023 South of Ireland Band Championship

The Junior and Senior categories will commence punctually in Clonakilty Community Hall (Eircode P85 Y753) and the Intermediate category will be held in the Clonakilty Community College (Eircode P85 E099) at 9.30 a.m. respectively in both venues. 

The Clonakilty Community College (Eircode P85 E099) will be available for Junior, intermediate and Senior Band Rehearsals

Following the completion of the Junior section, the Senior competition will commence at 11.30am at Clonakilty Community Hall.

There will be a break for lunch at 1.00 pm and the competition will resume at 2.00 p.m. sharp.

To ensure the smooth running of this hugely challenging logistical programme, all bands are requested to be present when the competition begins and to be on standby when the preceding band is performing.  Your co-operation is vital and greatly appreciated.  Should a band not be present in the order of the draw, the next band shall take its place. The order of appearance of the late band will be at the discretion of the organisers.  Should a band wish to change its order of performance, the change must be arranged in consultation with the organisers. We appeal to all bands to be in attendance in good time.

 Please take special note of the following:

(1)               Setting-up time is 10 minutes max.  The first band of the day and first after lunch should set up ten minutes before performance time.

(2)               NB. Senior and Intermediate bands which exceed 15 minutes, and Junior bands which exceed 12 minutes will be penalised.

(3)               Remember to bring your own music stands and percussion. To facilitate the Senior and Junior categories, 50 music stands will be available in the Clonakilty Community Hall only.

(4)               Please note that a maximum of three players, who are not permanent members of the particular band performing, may be included for competition purposes on condition that they are declared prior to the competition.

(5)               If you have not already supplied your repertoire, please do so immediately as our programme is ready to go to print.

(6)               A copy of the scores is to be provided for the adjudicators on the day.  Please do not post them and remember to collect them after the performance.

(7)               As per the attached map, the Clonakilty Community College Eircode (P85 E099) by kind permission of the Principal, Mr Tommy Brown and Deputy Principal, Ms Anne Sheerin, has been made available to us for limited rehearsal time only. Please note that all belongings must be removed following the band’s competition performance. We thank you for your co-operation. Clonakilty Community Hall (Eircode P85 Y753) has been made available by kind permission of the manager Mr Justin Crowley

(8)                All perpetual cups and trophies must be returned in time for the display.  These awards are presented in memory of people dedicated to music and are of special significance to all of us.

(9)               We thank all our sponsors whose representatives will be with us for the prizegiving, which will take place after the Senior competition.  As always, we thank you for your co-operation in bringing the music to the streets.  This is what makes Clon’s Bands Day so special for everyone.  We will be in touch to arrange suitable times and locations for your short street recital, and we acknowledge this generous gesture.

 NB. Please ensure that you take care of your belongings and leave nothing behind.

 Finally, let’s hope that the sun will shine and that your visit to Clonakilty will be successful and enjoyable.  We look forward to welcoming you all.  Safe travelling and the best of luck!

 Yours sincerely,

 Gerald O Driscoll,

Co-ordinator

Organising Committee: Gerald O Driscoll, Chairman; Kathleen Russell, Secretary. Raymond Blackwell, Festival Coordinator.   Rosie O’Donovan, Promotions Manager. Noirin Wycherley, Treasurer. Barbara O Donovan, P.R.O. Website; Louise Kingston, Social Media I.T Michael Kenneally.

 

Dear Friends,
Clonakilty will celebrate its annual Bands Day with the 42nd South of Ireland
Band Championships on Saturday, July 1st 2023.
Once again we look forward to welcoming you all to an occasion which will be
as successful and enjoyable as in the past. Each year the recitals on the streets
are warmly received and with your kind co-operation we hope to follow the
same format again this year.
As we expect many visitors to town on that weekend it is important that bands
staying overnight should book accommodation without delay. Contact
Clonakilty Tourist Office at 023-8833226 or email [email protected]

Rules and Entry Form can be downloaded HERE 

Please complete the entry form and return it
as soon as possible but not later than Friday, April 7th – hard copy only.
We look forward to your participation.  If you know of any other band which
has not come to Clonakilty in the past, please pass on the word. You are our
best referees!
If we do not have your email address, kindly let us have it so that we can
communicate through that medium.
Yours sincerely,
Gerald O Driscoll
(Bands Coordinator)
2 Curraghrane Beg, North Ring, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Mobile: 086-8231341. Email: [email protected]

 

RESULTS FOR 41st BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

Junior Category

 

  1. Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band Limerick
  2. An Lochrann Linn Band
  3. Fermoy Youth Band

 

Special Awards in Junior Category

 

  • Jack O’ Mahony Cup for Best Junior Musicianship Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band Limerick
  • Adjudicator Award Fermoy Youth Band Best Percussion Section
  • Adjudicator Award An Lochrann Linn Performance without Conductor

 

Intermediate Category

 

  1. H.F.C. Band Wexford
  2. Clara Town Band
  3. Carrick- on- Suir Brass Band

 

Special Awards in Intermediate Category

 

  • Patsy O’ Driscoll Cup for Best Bass Section Carrick-On-Suir Brass Band
  • DeBarra’s Cup for Best Percussion Clara Town Band
  • Best Woodwind H.F.C. Band Wexford
  • Best Musical Arrangement Carrick-On-Suir Brass Band
  • Robert Mc Donald Cup for Best March Carrick-on-Suir Brass Band
  • Adjudicator Award Fermoy Concert Band Best Percussion Section

 

Senior Category

 

  1. Clonmel Concert Band
  2. Clonakilty Brass Band
  3. Cork Philharmonic Winds

 

Special Awards in Senior Category

 

  1. Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra Award for Best Original/Concert Band Piece Elastic Band 
  2. The Pierce Hickey Cup for Best Repertoire Elastic Band
  3. Robert Tiernan Cup for Best Trombone Performance Clonmel Concert Band
  4. Brawny Wycherley Perpetual Cup for Best Brass Cork Philharmonic Winds
  5. Adjudicator Award Clonakilty -For Best March
  6. The Maurice Shanley Memorial Perpetual Cup for the Spirit of the Festival Award An Lochrann Linn

As the curtain falls on the 41st South of Ireland Band Championships, we gratefully acknowledge all of you who made Saturday, July 2, 2022 such a special day in Clonakilty. We look forward to welcoming you all back next year.

Thank you for the music.

 

FESTIVAL OF WEST CORK

incorporating the

41st South of Ireland Band Championships

RAFFLE RESULTS 2022

  1. Weekend Break for Two courtesy of Clonakilty Park Hotel Robin Griffin, Clonakilty
  2. Meal for Two at O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty Kieran O’Connor, Co. Clare
  3. Hot Stone Back Massage courtesy of L.A Beauty Clinic Turkish Barbers, Clonakilty
  4. Meal for Two at Oak Fire Pizza, Clonakilty Sue Long, Clonakilty
  5. Crystal Vase courtesy of John Lowney Jeweller, Clonakilty Cathy McCarthy, Clonakilty
  6. Meal for Two at the Celtic Ross Hotel Rosscarbery Audrey McCarthy, Kenmare, Co. Kerry
  7. €100 Shopping Voucher at Scally’s SuperValu Clonakilty Jackie O’Leary, Clonakilty
  8. 4 Tickets, John Spillane at DeBarra’s Clonakilty August 4th 2022 Julie Quinlan, Waterford
  9. Meal for Two at Baan Sujitra, Clonakilty Claire Gillespie, Carragaline, Co. Cork
  10. €100 Voucher, Emmet Hotel, Clonakilty Triona Wycherley, Clonakilty

 

 

South of Ireland Band Championships 2022

The South of Ireland Band Championships is back on Saturday 2nd July 2022.

So many people over the last 41 years have looked forward to the 1st Saturday in July for their band music 'fix' so it is great that our friends in music will be able to get together again to entertain, socialise, renew friendships and catch up on all that has happened over the past few years.

Message dated 8th June 2022 from Chairman Ger O'Driscoll:

Dear Friends,

I hope you are all well and looking forward to your visit to Clonakilty on  2nd July 2022.

I have set out some points below to discuss with your band and any members who might be travelling by car on the day.

  1. Click the attached MAP which shows the route to the venues where this year’s competitions will take place.
  2. I have also enclosed the Eircodes of these venues to simplify finding their locations.
  3. The route from Cork as you enter the town will also be sign posted on the day.
  4. Rehearsal rooms for Junior, Intermediate and Senior Bands are also shown on this map, please familiarize yourself with the layout.
  5. Intermediate Bands will supply their own music stands for the competition.
  6. All bands to bring their own music stands for your performance around town.

      7.  Please ignore the following in italics which was included in the original entry form. There will be a special prize in all categories for the inclusion of an optional celebratory piece to mark July the 4th.

 Adjudicators: Mr Glyn Williams will adjudicate the Junior and Senior Categories and Ms Helen Williams will adjudicate the Intermediate category.

The Junior and Senior categories will commence punctually in Clonakilty Community Sports hall and the Intermediate Category in the adjacent Sacred Heart Secondary School at 9.30 a.m. respectively. Following the completion of the Junior section, the Senior competition will commence at 11.30am also in the Clonakilty Community Sports Hall. There will be a break for lunch at 1.00 pm and the competition will resume at 2.00 p.m. sharp.

 To ensure the smooth running of this hugely challenging logistical programme, all bands are requested to be present when the competition begins and to be on standby when the preceding band is performing. Your co-operation is vital and greatly appreciated. Should a band not be present in the order of the draw, the next band shall take its place. The order of appearance of the late band will be at the discretion of the organisers. Should a band wish to change its order of performance, the change must be arranged in consultation with the organisers. We appeal to all bands to be in attendance in good time.

Please take special note of the following:

  1.      Setting-up time is 10 minutes max. The first band of the day and first after lunch should set up ten minutes before performance time.
  2.       NB. Senior and Intermediate bands which exceed 15 minutes, and Junior bands which exceed 12 minutes will be penalised.
  3.       Remember to bring your own music stands and percussion. To facilitate the Senior and Junior categories, 50 music stands will be  available in the Clonakilty Community Hall only.
  4.       Please note that a maximum of three players, who are not permanent members of the particular band performing, may be included for competition purposes on condition that they are declared prior to the competition.
  5.       If you have not already supplied your repertoire, please do so immediately as our programme is ready to go to print. Note that we already requested their submission by Tuesday, June 7 so please co-operate.
  6.       A copy of the scores is to be provided for the adjudicators on the day. Please do not post them and remember to collect them after the performance.
  7.       As per the attached map, the nearby Sacred Heart Secondary School by kind permission of the Principal, has been made available to us for limited rehearsal time only. Please note that all belongings must be removed following the band’s competition performance. We thank you for your co-operation.
  8.       All cups and trophies must be returned in time for the display. These awards are presented in memory of people dedicated to music and are of special significance to all of us.
  9.       We thank all our sponsors whose representatives will be with us for the prizegiving, which will take place after the Senior competition. As always, we thank you for your co-operation in bringing the music to the streets. This is what makes Clon’s Bands Day so special for everyone. We will be in touch to arrange suitable times and locations for your short street recital and we acknowledge this generous gesture.

NB. Please ensure that you take care of your belongings and leave nothing behind.

Finally, let’s hope that the sun will shine and that your visit to Clonakilty will be successful and enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you all, especially our new bands. Safe travelling and the best of luck!

 Yours in Music,

Ger O Driscoll.

Bands Coordinator

Message from Chairman Ger O'Driscoll about the 2022 competition:

41st South of Ireland Band Championships Clonakilty

Dear Friends,
Clonakilty will celebrate its annual Bands Day with the 41st South of Ireland
Band Championships on Saturday, July 2nd.
Once again we look forward to welcoming you all to an occasion which will be
as successful and enjoyable as in the past. Each year the recitals on the streets
are warmly received and with your kind co-operation we hope to follow the
same format again this year.
As we expect many visitors to town on that weekend it is important that bands
staying overnight should book accommodation without delay. Contact
Clonakilty Tourist Office at 023-8833226 or email [email protected]

Rules and Entry Form can be downloaded HERE 

Please complete the entry form and return it
as soon as possible but not later than Friday, April 8th – hard copy only.
We look forward to your participation.  If you know of any other band which
has not come to Clonakilty in the past, please pass on the word. You are our
best referees!
If we do not have your email address, kindly let us have it so that we can
communicate through that medium.
Yours sincerely,
Gerald O Driscoll
(Bands Coordinator)
2 Curraghrane Beg, North Ring, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Mobile: 086-8231341. Email: [email protected]

In the meantime why not listen to some of the bands who participated in our virtual band concert in 2021
 Committee 2021

South of Ireland Band Championships Virtual Concert 2021

Band
Music
Conductor/Musical Director
Ardee Concert Band Irish Ayre
Brendan Breslin
Ballymore Eustace Concert Band The Sound of Music Selection
Jon Clifford
Banna Chluain Meala Junior Band Seven Nation Army  Peter Taylor
Barrack Street Concert Band Cork A Wexford Rhapsody
Brian Prendergast
Blanchardstown Brass Band Dublin Jarabacek Zdenek Ondrousek
Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band Limerick Moments for Morricone Andrew Jordan
C.J. Kickham Brass Band Tipperary Snowbird Denis Lynch
Carrick-on-Suir Brass Band Slaidburn March
Billy Byrne
City of Waterford Brass Gfoller March Julie Quinlan
Clara Town Band  Encanto Michael McLoughlin
Clonakilty Brass Band Death or Glory Ger Condon
Clonmel Concert Band Americian Patrol Danny Carroll
Coalisland Silver Band In the Mood Anthony Conway
Cork Philharmonic Winds Variations on the Boys of Fairhill
Robert O Brien
Diverse Brass Daydream Believer Liam Walsh
Drogheda Youth Brass Band Sousa Samba Sandwich
Anthony Murphy
Dublin Concert Band Abba Gold Brendan Breslin
Ennis Brass Band Rolling in the Deep
Mark Nutley
Fermoy Concert Band Solas Ané Ruairí Dineen
Fermoy Youth Band Celtic Air And Dance No 1
Ruairí Dineen
H.F.C. Band Wexford Armenian Rhapsody
Alan Mahon
James Fitzgerald Memorial Band Mitchelstown  Galop From Orpheaus In The Underworld  Sean Chamberlain
Lourdes Brass Band Drogheda A Festival of Brass James McCafferty
Lourdes Youth Band Drogheda Slaidburn March Mark Shortt
Lucan Concert Band Highlights from Phantom Of The Opera Aine Doyle
Midelton Junior Concert Band Celtic Air And Dance No 2 Robert O Brien
Mullingar Town Band Washington Post Harry Kelly
Navan Silver Band Beyond The Sea Stephen Murray
Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band Limerick Pirates of the Caribbean Andrew Jordan
St Fachtnas Silver Band Skibbereen McNamara's Band Adrian Hanly
St James Brass and Reed Band Dublin Gaelforce Thomas Tyrrell
St Marys Brass and Reed  Band Kingscourt Bohemian Rhapsody Gavin Warren
St Marys Brass and Reed Band Maynooth Sweet Caroline Jon Clifford
St Marys Brass and Reed Youth Band Kingscourt Forward March, Alpine Adventure, Celtic Air
Mairead Smith
St Nicholas Brass Band Cork Essence of Brass Noel Galvin
Tacoma Concert Band Washington Stars And Stripes Robert Musser
Musikverein Waldaschaff                                         New Village                                                                    Bernd Zwiesler
 
Anthony McDermott Mayor of Clonakilty speech re South Of Ireland Band Championships Virtual Concert

Thank you for the music

South of Ireland Band Championships 2021

Dear Friends,
I hope you are all keeping well and safe in these very challenging times.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the current advice from the HSE and Government in
regards to social distancing and the ongoing concern about the spread of this virus, it is with
great regret that we have had to cancel this year’s “South of Ireland Band
Championships”.
We hope to mark this year’s event on July 3rd by holding a Virtual Bands Festival like what
we had done in 2020.
Please keep in touch with our Website and Facebook page for further updates.

Yours in Music,
Gerald O Driscoll.
Chairman,
South of Ireland Band championships.

 

South of Ireland Band Championships 2020

The South of Ireland Band Championships due to be held  in 2020 on 4th July unfortunately had to be cancelled. However after 40 years it was felt that we couldn't let the day pass without providing band music for all the people who for so many years have looked forward to the 1st Saturday in July for their band music 'fix'.
So at 9.30 a.m. on 4th July 2021 everyone will have an opportunity to view and listen to bands who have participated in the competition over the years here on this website.


This is not a competition nor is it a movie of all the bands participating. Instead it will follow the programme format of previous South of Ireland Band Championships where all of the bands are listed and instead of turning up at the appointed time in the Community Hall to listen to a particular band one can just click on the band of your choice.
It is hoped that this virtual band programme will go in some way to acknowledge all the great band performances over the years and the huge community interest and support for this event and ensure that the 1st Saturday in Clonakilty in July will always be about great music and the friendship that it brings.

Introduction by our MC Eileen Kingston of South of Ireland Band Championships Virtual Concert 2020

South of Ireland Band Championships Virtual Concert 2020

Band
Music
Conductor/Musical Director
Ardee Concert Band Gather The Gaels Brendan Breslin
Ballymore Eustace Concert Band Theres No Business Like Show Businness Jon Clifford
Banna Chluain Meala Junior Band Seven Nation Army Peter Taylor
Barrack Street Concert Band Cork Down by the Salley Gardens Capt Brian Prendergast
Blanchardstown Brass Band Dublin Crazy Little Thing Called Love Zdenek Ondrousek
Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band Limerick Oregon Andrew Jordan
C.J. Kickham Brass Band Tipperary White Cliffs Of Dover Denis Lynch
Carrick-on-Suir Brass Band Punchinello Billy Byrne
City of Waterford Brass Concerto de Aranjuez Julie Quinlan
Clara Town Band  Captain America Michael McLoughlin
Clonakilty Brass Band Concerto de Aranjuez Ger Condon
Clonmel Concert Band Americian Patrol Danny Carroll
Coalisland Silver Band Come Fly With Me Anthony Conway
Cork Philharmonic Winds Loch Lomond Robert O Brien
Diverse Brass All My Loving Liam Walsh
Drogheda Youth Brass Band Paint It Black Anthony Murphy
Dublin Concert Band On Raglan Road Brendan Breslin
Ennis Brass Band Avengers Theme Tune Mark Nutley
Fermoy Concert Band Solas Ané Ruairí Dineen
Fermoy Youth Band Celtic Air And Dance No 1
Ruairí Dineen
H.F.C. Band Wexford Caravan Alan Mahon
James Fitzgerald Memorial Band Mitchelstown  Galop From Orpheaus In The Underworld  Sean Chamberlain
Lourdes Brass Band Drogheda You've Been Warned Prof Michael Alcorn
Lourdes Youth Band Drogheda Indiana Jones Theme John Walsh
Lucan Concert Band Phantom Of The Opera Aine Doyle
Midelton Junior Concert Band Celtic Air And Dance No 2 Robert O Brien
Mullingar Town Band Pinball Wizard Harry Kelly
Navan Silver Band Beyond The Sea Stephen Murray
Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band Limerick Semper Fidelis Andrew Jordan
St Fachtnas Silver Band Skibbereen Anchors Aweigh Adrian Hanly
St James Brass and Reed Band Dublin Gaelforce Thomas Tyrrell
St Marys Brass and Reed  Band Kingscourt Bohemian Rhapsody Gavin Warren
St Marys Brass and Reed Band Maynooth The Sunday Game Jon Clifford
St Marys Brass and Reed Youth Band Kingscourt Gateway March Mairead Smith
St Nicholas Brass Band Cork Song For The Frontline Noel Galvin
Tacoma Concert Band Washington Stars And Stripes Robert Musser
Musikverein Waldaschaff Silva Nigra                                               
 
 Pádraig O'Reilly Mayor of Clonakilty speech re South Of Ireland Band Championships Virtual Concert

2023 Competition

Event Details

Apply by 1 April

2 Curragrane Beg
North Ring
Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Ireland

Competition

6 July 2024
Starts at 09:30

Event Locations

Clonakilty Community Hall (Eircode P85 Y753) (Junior & Senior)
Clonakilty Community College (Eircode P85 E099) (Intermediate)

Info

Another special day is in store with music indoors and outdoors and, once again, the Old Time Fair Day will coincide with the celebrations. We look forward to your participation. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.

News

From the Band Championships

South of Ireland Championship 2023

  • By Gerald O'Driscoll
  • Published 14 Jun 2023

On Saturday 1st July 2023 the Junior and Senior categories will commence punctually in Clonakilty Community Hall (Eircode P85 Y753) and the Intermediate category will be held in the Clonakilty Community College (Eircode P85 E099) at 9.30 a.m. respectively in both venues. At Clonakilty Community Hall, following the completion of the Junior section which commences at 9.30am, the Senior competition will commence at 11.30am
There will be a break for lunch at 1.00 pm and the competition will resume at 2.00 p.m. sharp.

Members of the “South of Ireland Band Championship Committee” and members of Clonakilty Brass band at the launch of the South of Ireland Band Championships 2023.
Seated: Barbara…

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Music Videos

  • By Gerald O'Driscoll
  • Published 15 May 2020

Dear Friends,
I hope you are all well and keeping safe!
To mark this year’s event on July the 4th the committee of the “South of Ireland Band Championships” are asking any band that has taken part in our competition over the years who would like to send a u-tube link of a musical piece that your band has recently recorded or alternatively of an existing musical recording from the bands archive on u tube, this would also suffice.
The closing date for receipt of recordings would be Friday the 26th June 2020.
These recordings would then be put up on our “South of Ireland Band “ website and also on Facebook at 10am on Saturday the 4th of July 2020 for all to enjoy and keep the spirit of the festival alive until we all meet again to joyfully celebrate the…

Continue Reading

2020 South of Ireland Band Championship Cancelled

  • By Gerald O'Driscoll
  • Published 22 Apr 2020

Due to the Covid-19 virus and the current advice from the HSE and Government in regards to social distancing and the ongoing concern about the spread of this virus, it is with great regret that we have had to cancel this year’s “South of Ireland Band Championships”. For those bands that have send in their entry fee, I will be in touch with them within the next few days in regards to entry fee cancellation.
Let’s all look forward to July 2021 to celebrate our 41st festival and in the meantime please keep safe!
Yours in Music,
Gerald O Driscoll,
Bands  Coordinator.
South of Ireland Band Championships

Continue Reading

Updating All Bands

  • By Gerald O'Driscoll
  • Published 02 Apr 2020

41st South of Ireland Band Championships, Clonakilty Saturday, 4th July, 2020
Update to all Bands in regards to entry date for the 41st South of Ireland Band Championships.
Due to the current Covid-19 situation which we are all currently experiencing the entry date for all bands will be extended to Thursday April the 30th.
I would encourage all bands that have not yet sent in their entry form and entry fee to do so within this time frame.

Best Regards and take care.
Gerald O Driscoll,
Competition Coordinator.

Continue Reading

Rules and Entry Form

  • By Gerald O'Driscoll
  • Published 06 Mar 2020
  • Tagged invitation

Clonakilty will celebrate its annual Bands Day with the 41st South of Ireland Band Championships on Saturday, July 4th.

Once again we look forward to welcoming you all to an occasion which will be as successful and enjoyable as in the past. Each year the recitals on the streets are warmly received and with your kind co-operation we hope to follow the same format again this year.

As we expect many visitors to town on that weekend it is important that bands staying overnight should book accommodation without delay. Contact Clonakilty Tourist Office at 023-8833226 or email [email protected]

The 2020 Entry Form can be downloaded here

Continue Reading

Last Post? Not True!

  • By Eileen Kingston
  • Published 27 Feb 2020
  • Tagged press

Please note that the next post will be from the incoming SoI Bands' Coordinator whose contact details will be different to the current information.

Every good wish to all who will be involved in the 41st championships on July 4 and sincere gratitude to everybody who made our tenure of office over the years a truly happy experience. From now on we will have more precious time to joyfully browse through this site which was so diligently created and maintained over the years by our honorary IT officer, John Cocula.

Denis and Eileen Kingston

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Celebrating 40 Years

Welcome Bands!

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We look forward to seeing you here!