Updated 15th Feb 2026
IABCB NATIONAL COMPETITIONS
This years National Band Championships are due to take place on weekend 9th / 10th May 2026 here in the Bohemian Centre.
The Annual General Meeting AGM of Ardee Concert Band will take place on Monday 23rd February in the Bohemian Centre at 8:00pm.
Members and Parents are invited to attend and to voice opinions on any aspect of band life.
There will be no obligation to go on the committee.If you would like to get involved in the running of the band, but cannot attend the meeting, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Tim O’Callaghan, secretary 086-3538173
Brass Bands Northern Ireland Solos and Ensemble competition
The Templeton Perpetual Challenge Cup is proudly at home in the Bohemian Centre after the Ardee Quartet won the most prestigious ensemble class at the Brass Bands Northern Ireland Solos and Ensemble competition in Lisburn yesterday.
Playing an arrangement by Ciaran Duddy of Cold Play’s Viva La Vida, the last performance of the day found favour with adjudicator Christopher Bond! Ronan Tallon, Emma Boyle, Ciaran Duddy & James MacCafferty conducted by Mark Jenkins got their hands on this most elusive piece of silverware for the first time.
There was also a first in the Senior Ensemble for Ardee in the Unregistered category conducted by Mr Terry Doherty. This ten piece consisted of Ronan Tallon, Mark Jenkins, Emma Boyle, Peter McKeever, Olivia Doolin, Ciaran Duddy, Brian Downey, Callum Doolin, Michaela Sweeney and James MacCafferty
In the Solos Olivia Doolin took silver in the Under 12 section on Bb Cornet.
In total Ardee Concert Band took away 16 Gold medals, 1 silver medal, the fabulous Templeton Challenge Cup, 1 gold, 2 silver & 2 bronze certificates.
Congratulations also go to Brian Downey who won the Slow Melody section and came second in the Technical A Solo!
B.B.N.I. held the event in Wallace High School for the first time and what a success it was … thank you all! 🏆🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥈
Workshop with Mr. Brian Downey
Members of the Ardee Intermezzo Ensemble recently preparing for the Brass Bands Northern Ireland Solo and Ensemble Competition with tutor and brass virtuoso Mr. Brian Downey, one of the most successful contestants at this event and regular at the Bohemian! Thank you Brian! Michaela Sweeney, Callum Doolin, Brian Downey & Olivia Doolin pictured below in Jan
New Hoodies
Members of the Junior Band and Intermezzo Ensemble modelling their new hoodies. Huge thanks to Mark at @csmprintanddesign for the fantastic service.
