MTB crowned national champions

Mullingar Town Band's (MTB) reputation as one of Ireland's finest marching bands was cemented last Sunday when it won a major national title on home ground.

The newly crowned Irish Marching Band Association (IMBA) champions welcomed Portarlington Marching Band, Inbhear Mór Cadets, the Tallaght Marching Band, and the 2023 champions Inbhear Mór Performance Ensemble to Lakepoint Point, the home of St Loman's GAA Club, on Sunday.

Although hosting the event, MTB didn't take their eye off the prize and claimed first place for their show, 'Elvis'.

It was MTB's first time to win the IMBA Championship since 2017. Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, band director Kim Magee said that a huge amount of work has been put in by the band’s members and design team.

“Cathal Byrne designed the show and the concept,with some input from a team us, which included Adrienne Syron, Alison Syron, Ellie Syron, Hilary McKeon and myself. We came up with the concept of the Elvis show and portraying Elvis's life on and off stage.

“Cathal wrote all of the movements and Adrienne Syron, our drum major for the season, encouraged and pushed the band, no doubt, to being the best that they can be.”

Kim praised the band's young members (the average age of the group is around 16) for their efforts and everyone else who contributed to the successful staging of the championships in Lakepoint Park.

“A huge congratulations to the marching band and colourguard, you have worked so hard and we are so proud of your achievements this year.

“Thank you so much to our show design team and to our committee who supported the band over the season.

“Big thanks to St Loman’s and Westmeath Civil Defence Services for facilitating and supporting this event.

“Congratulations and thank you to all the bands who took part in the competition and thanks to everyone who came to see us perform.”