New Limerick city exhibition celebrates 160 years of St John's Brass and Reed Band

AN EXHIBITION celebrating 160 years of St John's Brass and Reed Band has opened at St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick city.

Curated by St John’s Brass and Reed Band in association with Limerick Museum, the exhibition charts more than a century and a half of the history of this Limerick institution.

Over the past 160 years, St John’s Band has undergone many name changes.

"It was founded in 1865 as the Victuallers Band," a spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) explained. 

"In those days, brass bands typically had political affiliations or represented a regional or city guild. Guilds were similar to trade unions and the Victuallers Band was a Limerick butchers’ guild band.

"Consequently, most of its members were pork butchers. Later, it became St John’s Temperance Band, associated with the temperance movement, which campaigned for complete abstinence from the consumption of alcohol. Then, it became known as the Workingmen’s Brass and Reed Band, and finally St John’s Brass and Reed Band."

Similarly, St John’s Band has had many homes, including Hatters Lane (off John’s St), Scotts Lane (off Broad Street), St John’s Square and Crosses Yard.

From 1954 to 2011, the band was based in a hall behind St John’s Pavilion on Mulgrave Street. There followed a period on Garryowen Road, before to the Redemptorist Centre of Music on Island Road where rehearsals now take place.

Tony McCarthy, chairman of St John’s Band, says it is "an inclusive group where a welcome awaits anyone with a love of music".

"Despite changes of name and location, St John’s Band has essentially remained the same entity for 160 years with the same core values and mission: to bring together people from Limerick city and its environs in a spirit of music and community. It has always been a fun and friendly band. As the band website states: We warmly welcome anyone, regardless of age, social, racial or religious circumstances. All you need is a love of music," he continued.

"St John’s Band is one of the great marching and musical combinations in Limerick city’s great band tradition. Under the present conductor Dr Andrew Jordan, it continues to make a great impact on the musical life of Limerick city and beyond."

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Dr Matthew Potter, curator of Limerick Museum said the exhibition "displays a rich collection of memorabilia, photographs, instruments, uniforms, and artefacts chronicling over a century and a half of musical heritage and community engagement". 

He thanked the Arts Office of LCCC and the Heritage Council for "their generous funding of his magnificent exhibition".

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran attended the official opening of the exhibition, commenting: "It was a real honour for me as Mayor to attend the launch of this special exhibition. The St John’s Brass and Reed band is a group that has shaped the sound of our city over many decades and indeed generations."

Mayor Moran added: "While the musical legacy they continue to leave is an incredibly impactful one, the band has also left its mark on the cultural and historical fabric of Limerick. By remembering and celebrating the contributions of groups like St John’s, who are of course still going strong today, we keep our shared history and culture vibrant for future generations to come. The exhibition is a fitting tribute to a band that continues to inspire pride in Limerick."

Director general at LCCC, Dr Pat Daly said: "St John’s Brass and Reed Band has been a cornerstone of Limerick’s musical and civic heritage for over 150 years, and this exhibition offers a powerful tribute to that legacy. Hosted in the historic setting of St Mary’s Cathedral, it features an extraordinary collection of artefacts that reflect the band’s enduring role in shaping the city’s cultural identity."

Príomh Chomhairleoir of LCCC, Cllr Catherine Slattery added: "This fantastic exhibition showcases such an extensive array of memorabilia and artefacts that beautifully capture over 150 years of musical tradition and community spirit. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all involved for their generous support in making this exhibition possible."

160 Years of St John’s Brass and Reed Band 1865-2025 will be on display in Saint Mary’s Cathedral until Saturday, November 15.