PHOTOS Spartans March to Victory as Tradition Meets Razzmatazz at 53rd International Band Championship

53rd International Band Championship – The Doherty High School Spartan Legion Marching Band pictured in Limerick. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

The Doherty High School Spartan Legion Marching Band from Colorado struck a winning note at the 53rd International Band Championship

Thousands lined the streets in favourable weather to watch exciting musical routines from 11 marching bands hailing from Ireland, Northern Ireland and the U.S., filling the city with rhythmic beats and colourful performances.

There were further energetic showpieces to thrill spectators at a vibrant open-air concert in Arthur’s Quay Park, where the winners in eleven categories were announced following the parade.

The 53rd International Band Championship is one of the flagship events of the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival which continues across the long weekend.

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The Spartans were presented with the Silver Perpetual Trophy by the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran.

The winners in all categories were: 

Overall Parade Champion – The Doherty High School Spartan Legion Marching Band (Colorado)
Best International Band – The Doherty High School Spartan Legion Marching Band (Colorado)
Best Youth Band – Grapevine High School Mustang Band (Texas)
Best Local Band – Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band (Limerick)
Best Pipe Band – CBS Pipe Band (Limerick)
Best Uniform – Mullingar Town Band (Co. Westmeath)
Best Musical Performance – Washington Warriors High School Band (Washington)
Most Entertaining Performance – Clondalkin Youth Band (Dublin)
Special Judges Award – Intergenerational Performance – St. Mary’s Prize Band (Limerick)
Special Judges Award – Spirit of the Festival – Friendship Band (Northern Ireland)
Special Judges Award – Choreography – Banna Chluain Meala (Tipperary)

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran congratulated all the participants, saying, “It’s another great weekend in Limerick, lots of fun this year and great weather. The talent and dedication displayed by all the bands today were truly remarkable. Limerick is proud to host such an inspiring event that brings together music lovers from near and far. It’s absolutely fantastic to see everybody just having fun and enjoying themselves.”

The three International Band Championship judges were Mr. Niall Carroll, Dr. Evelyn Grant and Mr. Stan Michalski.

Niall Carroll says picking a winner is never easy, “It’s always tough to pick a winner because you are weighing the strengths of some of our own, home grown bands and then you have the razzmatazz from the U.S so it’s always a hard one to balance out. The level of performance we witnessed today was exceptional. Each band brought their unique flair and energy, making it a memorable competition.”

Dr Evelyn Grant enjoyed the mix of young and not as young performers, saying, “I love the way we see the inter-generational aspect of these bands and I love the old traditions being kept alive and then to get this colour and energy from the American visitors  is just great. It’s a great day out!”

Stan Michalski added, “To see the crowd six-deep behind the barriers was absolutely fabulous and the crowd actually participated in some of the performances getting really involved with the music. I’ve done this many times and this is one of the better events we’ve had.”

The 53rd Limerick International Band Championship was part of the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2025 and set a high bar for entertainment ahead of the Limerick St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Limerick City tomorrow.

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘A More Fun Limerick’ and the parade will create a colourful, musical and vibrant spectacle on the city streets from midday tomorrow (March 17th).

Limerick Paralympian Roísín Ní Riain is parade Grand Marshal.

Ahead of the parade why not set the mood with music from the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s Youth at Breakfast Bangers at Hunt Museum or get your toes tapping with Céilí Mór at the Limerick Milk Market.

This year there will also be a Post Parade Block Party at Merchant’s Quay or settle in for some storytelling with Tales of St. Patrick by The Limerick Fireside, 2pm at The Hunt Museum and 4pm at The People’s Museum of Limerick.

Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick