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30,000 attend Limerick's band parade
A WESTMEATH band hit all the right notes in Limerick today at the international band parade
The 84-strong Mullingar town band, which has been in existence since 1879, scooped three prizes in the event - best national band, best musical performance, and the overall prize - and burst into song in Arthur's Quay Park after the parade when they were announced as the winners.
Mullingar Town Band Musical Director Hubert Magee said he was "more than surprised" at being crowned Overall Parade Champions.
"We didn't come to Limerick with the intention of winning but we're very excited to be taking home not one but three awards," he said.
From O'Connell Avenue to Arthur's Quay up to 30,000 people again lined the streets of Limerick for the 40th international band parade, which was led by the Irish Army Band, The Band of the First Southern Brigade.
The prize for best international band was presented to the Ballyduff Silver band from Northern Ireland, Newcastle West and District pipe band won best local band, Clonmel's Banna Chluain Meala won for best uniform, and Sammy Benson stepped up to collect the prize for most entertaining performance.
The competition was judged by renowned musical director and conductor, Dr Windsor Hylands, Denis Carey, director of Peter Dee Academy of Music and Joe Nash, CEO, Limerick's Live 95FM.
Limerick rugby hero Keith Earls, the current Six Nations top try scorer, will lead the 2010 St Patrick's Day Parade as Grand Marshal. The theme of St Patrick's Day parade is I Love Limerick.
FOR MORE ON THESE STORIES SEE MONDAY'S LIMERICK LEADER FOR FULL COVERAGE
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Weather for Limerick
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 8 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
