Banna Chluain Meala from Clonmel struck a winning note to be crowned Overall Parade Champions at the 54th International Band Championships in Limerick today.
Limerick’s streets pulsed with colour, music and international energy as thousands gathered to watch the competing bands wow the crowds and judges with razor sharp choreography, baton twirls and perfectly timed marching routines.
This year’s Championship was made even more accessible thanks to the first ever global livestream of the event.
Missed the show? Or maybe you were part of the show? Watch it back now on Limerick.ie/stpatricksfestival/stream
The Championship is a centerpiece of the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2026, celebrated under the theme “Legends of Limerick”, with city and countywide festivities underway.
A total of 15 bands from across Ireland, the UK, Ghana and the United States delivered powerful routines as they marched through the city before joining a lively open-air concert at Arthur’s Quay Park, where winners across the competition’s categories were announced.
The coveted Overall Parade Champion title was awarded to Banna Chluain Meala from Clonmel, who were presented with the festival’s Silver Perpetual Trophy.
Category Winners
Overall Parade Champion – Banna Chluain Meala
Best International Band – Campo Verde High School Coyote Pride Marching Band
Best Youth Band – Banna Chluain Meala
Best Local Band – Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band
Best Pipe Band – City of Limerick Pipe Band
Best Uniform – Clondalkin Youth Band
Best Musical Performance – Hammonds Brass Band Yorkshire
Most Entertaining Performance – Mc Kinney High School Royal Pride Band and Marquettes
Special Judges Award – Intergenerational Performance – CBS Pipe Band
Special Judges Award – “Sunshine” Award– South Jones High School Band Mississippi
Special Judges Award – Spirit of the Festival – Gosling Marching Band
Deputising for the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Sharon Benson presented the awards, and commented:
“Today showed Limerick at its brightest and best, alive with music, unity and unmistakable pride. So many of these bands have travelled great distances to be here. They all brought extraordinary energy to our streets, and the crowds matched them step for step with their enthusiasm. This year’s addition of a livestream meant that the festival atmosphere reached far beyond the parade route, allowing people across the world to share in the occasion. My heartfelt congratulations to every participant for filling our city with such joy.”
Niall Carroll, Presenter of Classical Daytime on RTÉ Lyric FM, judging the bands said picking winners was no easy task:
“The standard this year was extraordinary. We saw remarkable musicality, bold creativity, and ensembles who pushed the boundaries of what marching performance can be. Judging wasn’t easy. Every band brought something unique, but that’s what makes this event such a privilege to be part of.”
Evelyn Grant, recently retired from her long running Weekend Drive programme on Lyric FM, also judging the bands added:
“This year’s level of talent was truly exceptional. We witnessed incredible musicianship, daring innovation, and ensembles that redefined what a marching performance can achieve. Judging was no simple task—every group brought its own distinctive strengths. Congratulations to all involved and especially to those who travelled so far to be involved.”
Deputy Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Joe Delaney said the Championship is a testament to the professionalism of all involved:
“The success of today’s International Band Championship comes down to the commitment of the people behind the scenes who ensure every detail is delivered to the highest standard. I want to express my sincere thanks to all the Council staff and stakeholders for the professionalism, creativity and care they bring to this event and to the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival team as a whole. Their work is the heartbeat of these events and a big part of why Limerick continues to shine on the international stage.”
The Festival Goes Marching On
Building on the energy of the 54th International Band Championship the celebrations continue at Arthur’s Quay Park tomorrow night (Monday 16 March) with the Legends of Limerick Stage. The free open-air concert (No Tickets Required - 18+ Only) will showcase some of Limerick’s finest musical talent.
Audiences can look forward to an electrifying lineup featuring Major Feen, The Labourers, Citrus Fresh, Hazey Haze and Denise Chaila, each bringing their own distinctive style and creativity to the stage.
The concert sets up another centrepiece of Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2026 - the much anticipated Limerick City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, with parade Grand Marshal, Ava Crean and hundreds of participants representing clubs, communities and creatives.
The parade is also being livestreamed worldwide for the first time. Click to Watch the Livestream.
After the parade, the celebrations continue at the St. Patrick’s Festival Block Party at Arthur’s Quay Park, with a lively mix of music, dance and aerial acrobatics.
Communities across Limerick are hosting their own St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Find out more about Limerick’s County Parades HERE.
Thank You for the Music!
Limerick City and County Council extends gratitude to all the participating bands in the 54th International Band Championship:
Band 1, Brigade of the Irish Defence Forces [IRE]
CBS Pipe Band [IRE]
Gosling Marching Band [USA]
St Mary’s Fife & Drum Band Limerick [IRE]
Banna Chluain Meala [IRE]
Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band [IRE]
Clondalkin Youth Band [IRE]
Mullingar Town Band [IRE]
Campo Verde HS Coyote Pride Marching Band [USA]
South Jones High School Band [USA]
The City of Limerick Pipe Band [IRE]
Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band [IRE]
Hammonds Brass Band Yorkshire [UK]
McKinney High School Royal Pride Band and Marquettes [USA]
Stay Up to Date
Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival is brought to you by Limerick City and County Council with support from Fáilte Ireland. Whether you’re a parade-lover, a culture-seeker, or simply ready to soak up the atmosphere, you will find something to enjoy.
Find all the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival Events on Limerick.ie/StPatricksFestival.
Keep up to date with the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival social media channels - Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2026 media partners are Limerick Leader, Limerick’s Live95, Limerick Post and Spin Southwest.
Road closure information for the Limerick City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is available at Limerick.ie.
Quick Links:
Download the Event Guide
View the Parade Route Maps
Watch the Parades on Limerick.ie