That’s our National Championships the NIBA completed successfully for another year and it was gratifying to present one of our best performances on the contest stage ever with a creditable 4th place in the top section against some very stiff opposition. The contest took place in The Market Place Theatre, Armagh today – Saturday 18th October 2025. Well done of course to 1st Old Boys, Laganvale and Strabane for their podium finishes and not forgetting Downshire and Murley, making it a hugely competitive days contesting.

Thanks to the NIBA Executive for another excellent contest and particular mention for the selection of St James’s – A New Beginning by Philip Harper as the set test. An inspired choice that tested everyone but gave us all a chance and provided some hugely enjoyable music to work on in the run up to the contest. Also thank you to our adjudicator for the day Sarah Groarke-Booth for the constructive and detailed feedback in her remarks.

Huge thanks to our MD Brian Connolly for the fantastic reading of the score and his incredibly forensic attention to detail and musical preparation in rehearsal and on stage. His work ethic is so infectious and drives us on to grow and improve constantly. Thanks also to Michael Fowles (Fodens) for his insight and help in the preparation.

To the band and soloists, what can we say, superb effort throughout September and October and on peaking just at the right time to deliver a performance of such stature. We really do appreciate the support week in, week out at all rehearsals and engagements and coupled with the camaraderie provided, places us in a very strong position for the future.

As always thanks to our guest Andy McQuiggan for his continued support and the supply and transportation of numerous items of percussion.

Finally special mention to our 12 year old contest debutante Martha Glover, the future looks bright for the Third Carrick family!

Full results of the day are as follows:

Championship Brass

Test Piece: St James’s – A New Beginning (Philip Harper)

1st place: 1st Old Boys Silver Band – Conductor: Dr Jonathan W Corry – 191 Points

2nd place: Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band – Conductor: Charles Fyffe – 190 Points

3rd place: Strabane Brass – Conductor: Dr Brendan Coyle – 188 points

Third Carrickfergus Band – Conductor: Brian Connolly – 187 points

Downshire Brass – Conductor: Michael Alcorn – 185 points

Murley Silver Band – Conductor: Kevin Teers – 184 points

Best Instrumentalist: Alan Haworth, Euphonium – 1st Old Boys Silver Band

Conductors Prize: Dr Jonathan W Corry, 1st Old Boys Silver Band

Best Overall Performance of the Day: 1st Old Boys Silver Band

Second Grade Brass

Test Piece: Sanctuary (Daniel Hall)

1st place: CWA Brass – Conductor: Keith Anderson – 191 points

2nd place: Drogheda Brass – Conductor: Stephen Murray – 189 points
3rd place: Roughan Silver Band – Conductor: Stephen Crooks – 188 points

Ballyduff Silver Band – Conductor: William Hill – 186 points
Comber Brass – Conductor: Paul Hamilton – 185 points
Lourdes – Conductor: Gavin Warren – 183 points

Best Cornet Section: CWA Brass

Best Bass Section: CWA Brass

Third Grade Brass

Test Piece: New Beginnings (Fred Schjelderup)

1st place: Dungannon Silver – Conductor: Boris Pinto – 186 points

2nd place: St Mark’s Silver – Bob Quick – 184 points
3rd place: Dynamic Brass – Conductor: Andy McGuiggan – 183 points

Wellington Memorial Silver Band – Conductor: Stephen Cairns – 182 points

Poyntzpass Silver Band – Conductor: Stanley Lutton – 180 points