THE STATE’S largest marching band walked away with the top prize at yesterday’s International Band Parade and Competition, which attracted more than 30,000 people to the streets of Limerick.
The Clondalkin Youth Band was crowned 2011 parade champion and also received the prize for best musical performance. Now in its 41st year, the parade and competition saw 15 marching bands from across Ireland and the US parade through the streets of Limerick.
The musical parade is part of the Limerick St Patrick’s festival and was led by the First Southern Brigade Army band. All performed a free outdoor concert later in Arthur’s Quay Park.
Vincent Nolan, Clondalkin Youth Band director, said he was “flabbergasted and thrilled”. The Dublin band is 25 years old and has 100 members, aged 10 to 25.
The Kellswater Flute Band from Northern Ireland took home the best international band award while the Santa Clara High School Band from California was given the Limerick St Patrick’s festival award.
Best Irish band was won by Mullingar Town Band and Newcastle West and District Pipe Band won the best local band category. Limerick City Brass and Reed Band won the most entertaining performance while the CBS Youth Pipe Band won the prize for best uniform. The special judges award went to St Brigid’s Accordion Band from Armagh.