Thousands expected as band championships gets under way

A brass band with a 250-year history, at least, and which performed at the funerals of luminaries such as Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael Collins and O’Donovan Rossa will be giving performances in West Cork this week.

The famed Dublin-based St James Brass and Reed band is heading to Clonakilty.

The town is planning to welcome an estimated 3,000 visitors for a weekend of music and vintage fun.