South of Ireland Band Championships success for Redemptorist Centre of Music and Thomond Wind Ensemble

2026 South of Ireland Band Championships success for Redemptorist Centre of Music and Thomond Wind Ensemble. Pictured are the groups celebrating in Clonakilty

Redemptorist Centre of Music and Thomond Wind Ensemble celebrate outstanding success at the 2026 South of Ireland Band Championships

Musicians from the Redemptorist Centre of Music (RCM) and Thomond Wind Ensemble celebrated an exceptional day of success at the prestigious South of Ireland Band Championships in Clonakilty, Co. Cork, securing an impressive collection of awards across both the Intermediate and Senior Sections.

The South of Ireland Band Championships, held annually in Clonakilty, is one of Ireland’s premier wind and brass band competitions. The event attracts ensembles from across the country, who perform own-choice concert programmes before an expert adjudicator, while also bringing hundreds of musicians and visitors to West Cork for a day that celebrates musical excellence, community, and performance.

The Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band delivered an outstanding performance to claim 1st Place in the Intermediate Section, while also receiving the awards for Best Woodwind Section, Best Musical Arrangement, and Adjudicator’s Prize – Mark Cooney (Oboe).

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In the highly competitive Senior Section, Thomond Wind Ensemble was awarded 2nd Place, adding to its growing national reputation for artistic excellence. The ensemble also received The Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra Award for Best Performance of an Original Wind Band Composition and Adjudicator’s Prize – Mark Cooney (Oboe).

The achievements continue an extraordinary period of success for Thomond Wind Ensemble. Founded in September 2024 by Musical Director Dr. Andrew Jordan, the ensemble captured national attention last year by winning 1st Place in the Senior Section at its debut appearance at the South of Ireland Band Championships, together with a number of additional prizes.

Speaking after the competition, Dr. Andrew Jordan, Musical Director of both ensembles, said, “I am immensely proud of every musician who represented both the Redemptorist Centre of Music and Thomond Wind Ensemble in Clonakilty. These awards are recognition of countless hours of rehearsal, commitment, teamwork and a shared passion for making music. To see our musicians achieve this success is incredibly rewarding and reflects the strength of music education and community music-making in Limerick.”

The success of the Redemptorist Centre of Music highlights the organisation’s long-standing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality music education for children, young people and adults across the Mid-West. Through its concert bands, individual tuition and ensemble programmes, the Centre continues to nurture musicians of all ages while fostering confidence, friendship, creativity and lifelong participation in music.

Meanwhile, Thomond Wind Ensemble continues to establish itself as one of Ireland’s leading wind ensembles. Since its formation, the ensemble has collaborated with internationally renowned visiting ensembles, presented major concerts throughout the country, and earned national recognition for its innovative programming and exceptional musical standards.

The double success in Clonakilty is a testament to the dedication of the musicians, tutors, volunteers and supporters whose commitment continues to inspire the vibrant musical community fostered by both organisations.