On Sunday 30th March 2008, Ardee Concert Band won their 20th National title under conductor Harry Kelly when they took first prize in the Section 2 Concert Band Section of the National Band Championships held in the University of Limerick Concert Hall.
Harry Kelly became musical director of the band in 1982 and immediately set about raising the musical standard. Within 6 years he had succeeded in winning every top award for band in Ireland and the U.K. This success was a great achievement but the greatest achievement is maintaining the standard over the past 26 years, culminating in this win in Limerick.
The University Concert Hall in the University of Limerick is a very prestigeous venue and the hall was packed with members of competing bands when the final results were announced. Ardee won 1st prize with 130 marks out of a possible 150, Lucan Concert Band came in 2nd place with 128 marks and Boherbouy Concert Band were in 3rd place with 119 marks.