The Beginning
1850-1875

The Boherbuoy Band was formed in 1850, in a stable in Hifle's Row, between 15 and 16 Parnell Street, right in the middle of the 1848 movement. Even though the band a number of ex-British Army Band musicians, it played a part in this and in many of the other Nationalistic movements. On this subject, many of the names associated with the Band are of British origin. These include Stembridge, Leslie, Prendergast, Ditchburne and Godsell. Many of these names have gone, but some still are involved in the band.

The '67 movement was next on the stage and the Band continued in its work, in the cause of Ireland. At this stage it was situated in The Castle of Comforts(see bandrooms). Most of its members were tradesmen and the name Clohessy dominated the Band.

An account of the time tells how a proclamation was issued forbidding bands to play in the streets. Ned Bushe, euphonium, to show his contempt played a march, from the bandhall to the railway station and back.

On Sunday evening last the members of what is know as the Boherbuoy Temperance Band proceeded from their rooms in Edward Street, followed by a large crowd of idlers, male and female, and played through the streets in defiance of police regulations.
As they reached the head of the Crescent, gaining an accession of strength on the way, they were followed by a strong force of Constabulary who - in obedience to a recent proclamation of the Magistrates against such processions - put an end to the tuneful display by seizing the instruments, which they carried off to William Street barrack, followed by the crowd, who, not content with groaning the Sub-Inspector and his men, resorted to stone throwing.
The Head Constable's shako was cut by a blow of a stone, another constable received a blow of one over the eye which cut him, and several others received them on the back and other parts of the body, happily without injury to their persons.
The Constabulary retaliated by charging the mob, several of whom were arrested and conveyed to the barracks.

From The Limerick Chronicle, 22 March 1870
reproduced in The Limerick Compendium, edited by Jim Kemmy

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