On Saturday night past the Pride of Ballinran held their annual parade and competition in Kilkeel.

The parade started at 7:30 sharp with the host band parading through the town; pausing for a few moments on Knockchree Avenue at the Memorial to local victims of republican violence. Here the band played the tune “Belmont” (also known as the hymn “By Cool Siloam’s Shady Rill”) whilst a young member whose grandfather had been murdered by the IRA, laid a wreath in memory of those victims.

The main parade moved off shortly after 8pm, and was led by local part-
flute bands, Derryogue (in a first outing for their impressive new uniforms) and Orangefield. Both bands have an excellent sound and are always a pleasure to listen to.

There was a good flow to the parade throughout, and competition was at a high standard making the judges task a very difficult one.

In the Melody Flute section the small but ever steady Skeogh were playing some great stuff, as were Lisburn Young Defenders who despite having just nine flute players were playing First, Second, F-flute and Piccolo. However neither they nor Omagh PB, were a match for Newtownards Melody on the night, and it was the Newtownards outfit who were awarded first place.

In the Blood and Thunder category, the “usual suspects” Drumderg, Clogher PB and Pride of the Hill were in fine form, and these days they are being pushed hard by many of the “smaller” bands like Bessbrook TBs and Pride of Lagan Valley. In the end, though, the prize went to Kilcluney Volunteers from Markethill – but not by much!

A special mention is due for two bands from just over the Bloody Bridge; Charles Watson Memorial from Clough were sounding well despite being low on numbers, and Star of Down, Maghera who were proudly bearing their new “3rd Battalion UDR” standard.

Best overall band went to Dunloy Accordion who, as always, were on top form. There are times when they seem almost unbeatable, although they were pushed all the way by Brunswick Accordian.

A large part of the money raised in this year's street collection will be donated to the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital where a member of the band is currently undergoing treatment. We wish him a full and speedy recovery. We'd like to give a big thank you Newtownards Melody F.B who raised £100 for the donation.

Full list of bands attending:

Pride of Ballinran
Derryogue
Orangefield
Brunswick Acc.
Dunloy Acc
Ballytyrone Acc.
Skeogh
Lisburn YD
Newtownards Melody
Omagh PB
Charles Watson Memorial (Clough)
Rising Sons of the Valley (Kilkeel)
Red Hand Defenders (Downpatrick)
Bessbrook True Blues
Annalong Single Star
Pride of Lagan Valley
Star of Down (Maghera)
Lurgan Young Conquerors
Blair Memorial (Omagh)
Loyal Sons of Benagh (Newry)
Drumderg Loyalists (Keady)
Clogher PB
Downshire Guiding Star (Banbridge)
South Down DUP (Rathfriland)
Kilcluney Volunteers (Markethill)
Pride of the Hill (Rathfriland)
Donaghadee Fusiliers
Castlederg YL
Ulster First Flute (Sandy Row)

Results

Blood and Thunder – Kilcluney Volunteers
Accordian – Dunloy Acc.
Melody Flute – Newtownards Melody
Best Overall Band – Dunloy Acc.

General arrangements

The Pride of Ballinran will parade at 7:30 from Newcastle Road (Graham's Garage) to Knockcree Avenue were a wreath will be laid at the Memorial to those murdered by republicans.

This year the honours will be carried out by James Eakins - a young member of the band who's grandfather was murdered by the IRA.

We will then continue to Greencastle street (Fire station and Library car park)

Obviously, the main parade will not be permitted to start until we have dismissed (Approx 8:00 pm).

Street Collection

A large part of this year's collection money will be donated to the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital - so please give generously.

Without going into detail, those of you who know the band well will know why we have chosen that particular organisation.

Judging and trophies

We have decided that rather than doing the full range of trophies as in previous years, we will be awarding just 4 trophies - Best Melody, Best Blood and Thunder, Best Accordian and Best Overall band.

We know that a number of bands are beginning to take an "anti-trophy" stance, so if anyone doesn't wish to be judged please let us know beforehand.