Tells the story of Limerick’s proud and long-standing culture of civilian marching bands. This tradition began with the temperance movement in the 1830s and went on to play a major role in the social and musical life of the city.
The book explores interviews, newspaper accounts, band records, and photographs to tell – for the first time – the full story of these bands.
The author, Dr Derek Mulcahy, examines the bands’ heritage from both the temperance movement and the city’s military tradition, the political divisions among the bands, band competitions, music instrumentation, and the importance of band halls.
In a fascinating and detailed study of a tradition that Limerick holds dear, the author captures the sense of civic pride that band members and Limerick people have in their bands.
