Bands of brothers

Irish and Russian armies went toe-to-toe in musical battle yesterday, to the delight of more than 40,000 people who thronged Limerick for an international bands parade.

On the dot of noon, with military precision, Capt Brian Prendergast led the 30-strong Band of the First Southern Brigade, based at Collins Barracks, Cork, followed by Col Pavel Mozgarov and the 48 members of the Russian Central Band.

The 20 bands which took part in the spectacular event included four American high school and college bands who also found getting to the parade a logistical task of military proportions.

Brad Snow, who led the 220-strong band of the University of Missouri, said: “We have been preparing for over a year for our visit to Ireland. In total the visit has cost about $600,000 [€455,000]. It’s been very worthwhile, as any time you get a chance to interact with other cultures and share the bond of music, I think that is a good learning experience.”

The Missouri band won the overall prize.

Another US college, Shortcrest High School, was represented by 136 musicians wearing Scottish tartan of the Gordon clan.

Holding the Irish standard high was the pipe band from the Co Cork village of Cullen.

Pipe band secretary Collette O’Connor explained: “We are one of only three grade two bands in the country and there is only a single grade one band. So we are one of the top four pipe bands in Ireland.”

To keep Cullen skirling at top level, the band brings over top tutors every year from Scotland. And to keep the locals happy, the new band hall built in the village two years ago has a sound proof practice room.