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Members of St Brigid's Accordion Band, Jonesboro and Fiddler Niall Murphy, Camlough were given a Civic Reception last week by Cllr John McArdle, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council.
The reception was in recognition of their All Ireland Titles achieved at Fleadh Cheoil Na hEireann in Cavan last summer.
Speaking at the Reception Mayor McArdle said: "First of all I would like to congratulate the members of the Junior Accordion Band, the average age of which is 13. I am aware that this is your second All Ireland title, having won your first in 2010."
"I would also like to congratulate the Senior Band members who have won All Ireland Titles in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and now again in 2012. Again this is a tremendous achievement. I have been informed that the band was formed in 1992 with just four members with the aim of providing music tuition for the youth in the community. Since then it has grown from strength to strength and can now compete with the best in Ireland."
Continuing the Mayor added "Both bands have been great ambassadors for Newry and Mourne and have raised the profile of our district throughout Ireland. I congratulate each and every one of you. You are a credit to yourselves, your families and your community and I have no doubt you both bands will go on to win many more All Ireland Titles."
"Turning now to our World Champion Fiddle Player Niall Murphy. Niall has bridged a gap of fifty years to claim a second All Ireland Senior Fiddle title for Armagh. Niall, representing the Ring of Gullion Comhaltas, scooped the top prize in Cavan, 50 years after Brendan McGlinchey from Armagh City achieved the same feat in 1962."
"Niall has been competing in the All Ireland Fleadh for 11 years and came second in the Senior Fiddle competition five times, so congratulations on achieving your ultimate goal of an All Ireland Title."
Concluding the Mayor wished both winners every success in the future.
