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CJ Kickham Brass and Reed Band, Tipperary Town
The Charles J Kickham Brass and Reed Band is the town band of Tipperary.

This history of the band was captured in the book by Michael J. Lynch called "The Untold Story of the CJ Kickham Brass and Reed Band 1882 - 2007".

The C.J. Kickham Band had many locations over the century and a quarter of its existence. Their final and permanent home in Davis St. Tipperary town is a building of much historical significance. The property was originally owned by the Religious Society of Friends, better known as the Quakers, who built it in 1708. An account surrounding the circumstances of the birth and development of the building is to be found in the history of "The Quaker Meeting Houses of Ireland". In the 1800s, the local Quaker community gradually declined and in the middle of that century, it was decided to amalgamate with a Meeting House in Cahir. The Tipperary House closed and lay idle for many years.

It was, however, used as an overflow from the local Workhouse during the Great Famine years. Conditions were evidently appalling, as it was a case of the poor and hungry trying to look after the really starving poor.

Around the end of the 19th century, a group of Tipperary people approached the Society of Friends with a view to buying the building in Davis St. Negotiations took place and sometime in the early 20th century a new organisation, the Tipperary Temperance Club, acquired the old Quaker Hall. For the best part of a century, this Club provided a great social and cultural outlet for the young men of Tipperary and district. Card, snooker, billiard and table tennis tournaments were played. A daily paper was purchased and in the winter time a great open fire was provided. In the early seventies, the social scene began to change once more. Then came the advent of the showbands, television in the home replaced "going to the pictures" and young men were now somewhat better off financially and more time and money was being spent in licensed premises. Membership of the Temperance Club dropped dramatically. The committee were a very realistic group of men and knew that the end of the Club was in sight. At the same time, they also knew that the C.J. Kickham Band was homeless and struggling.

A sharing of the building took place for some time but it was not a satisfactory arrangement. Negotiations regarding the purchase began and in 2003 the C.J.Kickham Band finally purchased the old Quaker Hall in Davis Street.

"People, their needs and habits change, but one thing always remains the same - the belief of the Society of Friends that God is in everyone, constant and true and forever enduring. Throughout good times and bad this intervention was always evident. The C.J. Kickham Band was homeless and desperately in need of a place of its own. The old walls heard the cry, the windows sighed and saw the need and God in His wisdom intervened - for God loves the music makers - they are His special children".