This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: McTernan, McMorrow, Comey, White, O'Meagher, Wilson, Munday, Meehan, Rooney, McSharry, McLoughlin, Keany, Spelman Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/YWC.2ACI/5432 Message Board Post: FYI: Per article (with photos) in the "Leitrim Guardian" periodical (2006) - The Temperance Association aimed at providing a social life without alcoholic drink for its members by organising football clubs, sports days, drama groups and concernts, etc. It became well established in Manorhamilton in the early years of the 20th century. Fr. Stephen McTernan, PP. Killasnett, left 20 pounds in his will in 1905 for the promotion of temperance in the area, and a local grocer, James McMorrow, set up a temperance hotel and restaurant in Lower Main Street the following year. Fr. Charles Comey who came to Manorhamilton as a curate in October 1907 had already been a promoter of the movement in County Cavan. Being also very musical he soon set about founding a brass band. Having secured the services of a Mr. Michael White from Sligo as bandmaster, practices began late in 1908. The band's first appearance was in the St. Patrick's Day parade in Manorhamilton in 1909, marching to th! e strains of "The Boys of Wexford" and other tunes. The 27-member outfit played at the cycling and athletic sports in the Bee Park on 25th August of that year and also turned out on 18th September to greet the arrival in town of Capt. Edward O'Meagher who had been sentenced to death, but was later reprieved, for complicity in the Manchester Martyrs episode in 1867. Band members not included in the accompanying photo were John Wilson and Paddy Munday. The colourful uniform comprised a heavily braided tunic and a hat with a ribbon band. Fr. Comey was transferred to Ballyjamesduff in October 1913, and it would appear as if the band did not survive very long afterwards, although Fr. Comey returned to Mullies as parish priest in the early 20s. The photo shows the Manorhamilton Temperance Band outside St. Clare's Hall c. 1912. The photo is very hazy, but those able to be identified were James Meehan, Bernie Rooney, Jamsie McSharry, Francie McLoughlin, Joe McLoughlin in the ! back row, and Joe Keany, John Rooney and Jimmy Spelman in the front r ow. Hope this information assists researchers.