30.000 spectators watch 2009 Limerick International Band Parade

Sunday, 15th March 2009

Thirty thousand spectators thronged the streets of Limerick this afternoon as Sammy Benson’s Brass and Reed band were awarded the top prize at the Limerick International Band Parade.

The Irish Army Band lead the 39th Limerick International Band Parade which kicked off the city’s St Patrick’s Festival.

Sammy Benson’s Brass and Reed Band from Limerick have taken part in the competition for the last 35 years but this is the first year they have been crowned Parade Champions.

“I’m over the moon, we’re all thrilled,” said a delighted Sammy Benson. “We’ve taken part for so many years and love performing for the crowds but to take home the top prize is extra special.”

Sammy Benson’s Brass and Reed Band joined a host of marching bands taking part in the parade including several of Limerick’s finest bands and The Adrian Wilcox High School Band, “The Black and Gold Regime” from Santa Clara, California who took home the Best International Band award.

Limerick City Rhythm won the most entertaining performance category while the Tallaght Youth Band won Best Irish Band. Corpus Christi Pipe and Drum Band were winners in the Best Uniform category while St Mary’s Pipe and Drum Band won Best Musical Performance. The Special Judges Award went to Limerick band, The Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band while Best Local Band went to The CBS Youth Pipe Band.

The Band Parade started in O’Connell Avenue and ended in Arthur’s Quay Park with a free concert to the public where the winners were announced.

Cllr John Gilligan, Mayor of Limerick, said the International Band Parade showcased Limerick at its very best. “It was wonderful to see so many people coming out and enjoying themselves,” he said. “It’s also proof that Limerick is not just a very beautiful city but a very musical one with fantastic entertainers and musicians.”

Parade organiser, Fran O’Donnell, from Futureama Productions, said he was thrilled with the record turnout. “We were also blessed with the weather but it was great to see so many families on the streets of the city,” he said. “We’re delighted with the success of the band competition and we look forward to our biggest ever St Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday.”

More than 3,000 participants will take part in the Limerick St Patrick’s Day Parade which takes place at noon on Tuesday.

Glamourous Celebrity Bainisteoir contestant and Den Tots presenter Emma O’Driscoll will lead the 2009 Parade as Grand Marshal.

The theme of St Patrick’s Day Parade is Go Green and festival organisers are hoping that a spectacle of colour and sound will fill the streets of Limerick with a parade that celebrates all that the Riverside City has to offer.

Prizewinners

Parade Champions:
Sammy Benson’s Limerick City Brass and Reed Band

Best Uniform:
Corpus Christi Pipe and Drum Band, Limerick

Most Entertaining Performance:
Limerick City Rhythm

Best Musical Performance:
St Mary’s Pipe and Drum Band

Special Judges Award:
Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band, Limerick

Best Irish Band
Tallaght Youth Band, Dublin

Best Local Band
CBS Youth Pipe Band

Best International Band
Adrian Wilcox High School Band, Santa Clara, California

Laura Ryan
Communications Officer
Limerick City and County Council
Phone: 061-407100
email: laura.ryan@limerick.ie