Two Mayo brass bands compete in prestigious event in Clonakilty

Two Mayo bands are competing in this weekend's 45th annual South of Ireland Band Championships.

Castlebar Concert Band and Foxford Brass and Reed Band will face the adjudicators in the intermediate category at Clonakilty Community College tomorrow.

The event opens at 9.30 a.m. and Foxford Brass and Reed Band, winners of the junior category last year, are due to perform around 11 a.m.

Castlebar Concert Band, taking part in the event for the second consecutive year, will be on stage in or around lunchtime.

There are a total of 15 bands in the intermediate category and each band performs three pieces of their choice within a specified time frame.

Other bands in this section include Fermoy Concert Band, Clara Town Band, Lucan Concert Band and Midleton Concert Band.

A total of 34 bands will be in Clonakilty for the music extravaganza, 13 in the senior section, 15 at intermediate level and six in the junior category.

Needless to say, the finest of Irish brass band musical talent will be showcased throughout the day.

After performing their competition pieces, each of the bands play a selection at different locations around the Co. Cork town, making the event a massive tourist attraction.

Foxford Brass and Reed Band are also involved in the closing parade.

Best wishes is extended to the Mayo contingent.