The Champions
1885-1890

In 1885 an All-Ireland Contest for bands was opened in Dublin. Thirteen bands competed, and the first prize - a silver-plated five valve euphonium - went to the Boherbuoy. Ambrose Hall presented the band with inscribed silver medals, and a gold one to the bandmaster and celebrated cornet player, Thomas O' Brien. The conductor at the time was Harry Stewart, a fitter. He was also a cornet player in the Mechanics Band.

In 1886 a contest was held in Limerick. The competitors were: Boherbuoy, Limerick; Barrack St., Cork; Francis Meagher, Waterford; Newcastle West, Co. Limerick; Pork Butchers, Limerick. Again the Boherbuoy Band won first prize and Tom O' Brien, Bandmaster, won a silver plated cornet, which was presented by Most Rev. Dr. O' Dwyer, Bishop of Limerick. Again Harry Stewart conducted.

In 1887, in Dublin they again took the first prize, with William Tronsdell conducting. He was a stone cutter, and a euphonium player in the Foresters' Band, and also a member of the old Corporation.

The autumn of 1889 saw the Band at the Crystal Palace, London. There for a week, they represented the Irish exhibition, and although numerically small, they were commended for the manner in which they played a piece called Pot Pourri.

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