A public meeting was organized in Limerick to address the issue of employing military bands at local events in place of civilian bands. The meeting took place in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall and was well-attended by a large and orderly crowd. The chair was taken by Mr William Whelan, B.C., and the meeting was convened to protest against the practice of having military bands perform at events where local nationalist bands should be engaged.
The Chairperson opened the meeting with a strong assertion that the gathering was meant to protest against the employment of military bands at local functions. He emphasized that in ancient times, Irish people were renowned for their musical talent, and the gathering intended to address the current practice of engaging foreign bands that played foreign music instead of utilizing local bands.
The Chairperson questioned whether the decision to employ military bands was driven solely by financial gain or whether it was a matter of principle. He underscored that the people had a right to acknowledge local talent and nurture the musical tastes of the community. He also expressed his belief in the need to resist the degradation of Limerick and Ireland by having foreign bands representing a power that had historically oppressed the Irish people.
Several speakers passionately advocated for the resolution, expressing their concerns about the employment of military bands and the prominence of the Union Jack at local events. The resolution called upon the Corporation not to have the Mayor or any officials attend functions where military bands performed music or where Union Jack imagery was evident. The speakers argued that such practices belittled local bands, disrespected Irish heritage, and undermined the sacrifices made by the Irish in their pursuit of freedom and national identity.
The resolution was unanimously passed, and there was a call to establish a branch of the National Council in Limerick to further the objectives of the resolution and promote Irish interests. The National Council’s policy aimed to discourage Irish individuals from joining the British Army, support Irish-made goods, and provide job opportunities for civilians rather than former army and police personnel.
The meeting concluded with the singing of the nationalistic song “A Nation Once Again.” Outside the Town Hall, local bands performed music during the meeting. The event highlighted the community’s commitment to preserving Irish culture and heritage by promoting local talent and rejecting the use of military bands and Union Jack displays.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 23 January 1906
