With everyone in the Christmas spirit gathered in Bachelors Lane the Lourdes Youth Band under the baton of Mr John Walsh opened the festivities with the March “Maryland” by Edrich Siebert followed by a melody of Christmas tunes form Adeste Fidelis, Silent Night White Christmas and Jingle Bells.

It was then time for the growing talent within the Lourdes Brass Band to take centre stage. Under the tuition of the junior class teachers Shannon Branigan and Colin Black the young musicians of the band who have only been playing brass instruments for less than a year entertained everyone in attendance with their chosen Christmas pieces.

It was called upon John Walsh to present the Junior Band Person of the year award. The award is presented to a member of the junior classes who shows great enthusiasm and is always ready do give his or her time to helping with flag days, bag packing or anything he or she is asked to do. The Connie Campbell Perpetual trophy winner for 2016 and Junior Band Person of the year was awarded to Cathal O Malley

Following from the successful night by the junior members of the band it was then the night for the Junior South of Ireland Band Champions the Lourdes Youth band and the Senior South of Ireland Band Champions and Festival of Brass winners the Lourdes Brass Senior Band to entertain the people of Drogheda. With everyone in the Christmas spirit and under the baton of Prof Michael Alcorn the band opened the festivities their award winning program.

The band opened their program with When Thunder Calls by Paul Lovatt-Copper followed by the march Castell Coch by T, J Powell. With everyone on stage an in attendance truly enjoying the performance it was time for soloist Mark Newman to give a moving performance of Rusalka’s Song to the Moon by Antonin Dvorak. The Lourdes Brass Band then completed their program with You’ve Been Warned by Paul Lovatt-Copper.

It was then time to welcome the Lourdes Youth Band under the baton of Mr Michael Black presenting the next stage in the development of the Lourdes Brass Band. After a busy year for the Lourdes Youth Band performing at many venues throughout Drogheda they highlighted the growing talent within the organisation.

Sean Toner, winner of the Junior Band person of the year

It was called upon Michael Black head of the Lourdes Brass Band School of Music to present the highly anticipated Junior Band person on the year. The award is presented to a member of the junior classes who shows great enthusiasm and is always ready do give his or her time to helping with flag days, bag packing or anything he or she is asked to do. The Connie Campbell Perpetual trophy winner for 2016 and Junior Band Person of the year was awarded to Sean Toner.

With everyone in attendance enjoying the festivities, the Lourdes Brass Band retook to the stage for the second half of the festivities. The Band opened by introducing soloist John Kelly on E-flat bass preforming a beautiful rendition of “It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas” arr by Meredith Wilson followed by soloist Cormac Black on Euphonium performing a wonderful adaptation of “Julesang “also known as “O Holy Night” arranged by Ray Farr. With everyone in attendance joining in, singing along with the band performance of “The Big Sing” a selection of Christmas favourites

Niamh Shortt, winner of the 2016 Band person of the year

With the evening drawing to a close it was time for the presentation of the highly anticipated Band person on the year.

It was called upon Lourdes Brass Band Musical director Professor Michael Alcorn to present the Band person of the year award. This year the award was presented to a member of the band who is recognised for their musical ability, and is always available to share their experience and knowledge with the young musicians coming through the organisation. The Jack Reilly Perpetual Trophy winners for 2016 and Band Person on the Year was awarded to Niamh Shortt

An enormous thank you was given to Professor Michael Alcorn who has had such a big influence in the future direction of the band. A special thanks given to the staff and management at the Droichead Arts Centre

Mr Niall Whelan chairman of the Lourdes Brass Band would like to wish all our members and supports of the Band a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.