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Friday 30 March - Omagh True Blues - Omagh Already two parades completed and Easter is still a few days away. Only several years ago would it have been unheard of; band parades being held in March. With no more than five band parades already held throughout the country, it is evident that the season is starting earlier and earlier each year. 
Our second night out in March seen us supporting Omagh True Blues, in what was their 4th annual band parade. A longer than expected parade route, seen us parading for approximately
one hour. A total of 37 bands attended, which is
an excellent achievement. As previously mentioned on this website, the True Blues have came on leaps and bounds over the last year and have taken more
than a few steps up the ladder, who paraded with a record 12 drums and 21 flutes at their own parade.
Surprisingly for the month of March, the weather stayed relatively mild and thankfully dry. The parade was led by Eglinton Accordion Band, Co Londonderry. Like ourseleves, a lot of bands are still tightening the band together, and putting the final touches into place. Parading in Omagh, we had 2 colour party, 9 drums, 1 bass drummer and 15 flutes; an overall total of 27 members. A similar sized band to what we had paraded in Killylea, two weeks previous. Admittedly, we had didn't start off on the right foot. It was only when we had entered the crossroads in the town centre, where we had picked up the pace and performance. Although it is so early in the season, a lot of bands are appearing to leave their stamp on the scene - in proving that their hard working winter is starting to pay off. One of those bands is Rising Sons, East Belfast, who delivered an excellent performance on the night. Again, another band that has progressed significantly over the last year or so. With around 25 small blood and thunder bands on parade, it would not have been an easy task to judge. The best of the bunch were Castlederg Young Loyalists, South Fermanagh Loyalists and South Down DUP. On the melody front, Cookstown Sons of William were on fine form, and deservedly went home with the Best Melody Band award. Parade Results Best Colour Party 1st - Cookstown Sons of William FB 2nd - Castlederg Young Loyalists FB 3rd - Rising Sons FB, East Belfast Best Drum Major 1st - Portadown True Blues FB 2nd - South Down DUP FB 3rd - Castlederg Young Loyalists FB Best Drum Corps 1st - Ulster First Flute FB, Sandy Row 2nd - Armagh True Blues FB 3rd - Pride of the Derg FB Best Bass Drummer 1st - Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors FB 2nd - Red Hand Defenders FB, Newtownstewart 3rd - South Fermanagh Loyalists FB Best Small Blood and Thunder(16 Flutes and under) 1st - Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors FB 2nd - South Down DUP FB 3rd - Castlederg Young Loyalists FB Best Blood and Thunder(Over 16 Flutes) 1st - Armagh True Blues FB 2nd - Pride of the Derg FB 3rd - Red Hand Defenders FB, Newtownstewart Best Melody Band 1st - Cookstown Sons of William FB 2nd - Omagh Protestant Boys FB Style and Appearance(Marching and Discipline) 1st - Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors FB 2nd - Cookstown Sons of William FB 3rd - Rising Sons FB, East Belfast Best Overall Band 1st - Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors FB 2nd - Cookstown Sons of William FB 3rd - Armagh True Blues FB Images 
If you have any pictures or videos of our Band at this event, please get in contact. Related Links Rising Sons FB Castlederg Young Loyalists Omagh True Blues |
