AdvertisementTWO local groups played the sounds of success, taking home some top prizes from the 2026 South of Ireland Band Championships, held recently in Clonakilty, County Cork. The Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band claimed first place in the competition’s Intermediate Section, while also scooping awards for Best Woodwind Section, Best Music Arrangement, and the Adjudicator’s Prize went to oboe player Mark Cooney. The Thomond Wind Ensemble took second place in the hotly contested Senior Section, along with the Irish Symphonic Orchestra Award for Best Performance of an Original Wind Band Composition.