The Band Drives On
1885-1890

In 1894 Bryan O' Donnell, Mayor and Patrick McDonnell, together with dentist Joseph McDonnell, presented the band with a new uniform, made at Cannock's. The first time this uniform was worn in public, an incident occurred. The following appeared in the Limerick Leader in November 1963, of an account of the band.

The date was St. Patrick's Eve 1894, with the 32 member band, resplendent in their new attire, marched through the streets. The route was: Boherbuoy, Nelson (now Parnell) Street, Wickham Street, High Street, Mungret Street, Broad St., Assembly Mall, Rutland Street, Patrick Street, George (now O' Connell) Street, Collooney (now Wolfe Tone Street) Street and Lord Edward Street. Then as they rounded Clohessy's Corner, they were met with a fusillade of stones from Barrington's Mall. The attackers were supporters of the Healyite Party. The Parnellites attempted to rush Baal's Bridge, but they were stopped by the police. They made a further attempt to rush Matthew Bridge, and again were repulsed. Eventually the Band reached the safety of their headquarters.

From The Limerick Leader, November 1963

At the Parnell anniversaries, in Dublin, the new uniform was much admired. During the Parnellitte split the band continued to play. They led from Cruises Hotel to the O' Connell Monument, where speeches were made to dense crowds.

Coming up to 1899, the band did its part in the canvass which established the Corporation, headed by John Daly, Mayor.

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