The Cavan Observer dated 1st October 1864 quoted from an article in the Fermanagh Reporter which warned young men against forming amateur bands. Things reached such a catastrophic state that there was little peace in the town.
About 40 young men were completely demoralised --some of them enlisted, others emigrated, and not a few lost their lives. Not only did the press have a go at the bands in the town .. they also had a go at the Boat Club.
No respectable person should have anything to do with the Boat Club or subscribe to its funds. Would members interested in Family History please do some serious research to see if their ancestors were a member of a band or the Boat Club. Have a look at those born in the mid 1830s to mid 1840s. Have you musicians or members of the army or navy in the family from the 1860s onwards? I wonder if it would be possible to trace some old records of the troublesome bandsmen in the town or the irresponsible boat owners? I feel that Father James Shiel, PP was a bit of a hooligan himself. Imagine it .. the priest jumped on the big drum!
