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First thing that title suggested was a Catholic girl in love with a Protestant

bensdad wrote:First thing that title suggested was a Catholic girl in love with a Protestant

Maybe, but not necessarily, I think. I imagine that Irish regiments recruited band boys of either persuasion. So the dramatis personae of the title could be either.

MTGuru wrote:

bensdad wrote:First thing that title suggested was a Catholic girl in love with a Protestant

Maybe, but not necessarily, I think. I imagine that Irish regiments recruited band boys of either persuasion. So the dramatis personae of the title could be either.

I think bensdad may be talking about a different meaning of the word "band" there, Mr Guru Sir. Maybe as a synonym for "sash" perhaps.

benhall.1 wrote:

MTGuru wrote:

bensdad wrote:First thing that title suggested was a Catholic girl in love with a Protestant

Maybe, but not necessarily, I think. I imagine that Irish regiments recruited band boys of either persuasion. So the dramatis personae of the title could be either.

I think bensdad may be talking about a different meaning of the word "band" there, Mr Guru Sir. Maybe as a synonym for "sash" perhaps.

I confess I had wondered if the word "band" in this instance might not be that, and going further, be the reference point to such a difficult love; it should be noted that the word "band" in this context has tended to have greater use outside those marching associations, which might lend support to bensdad's suggestion of the unfortunate divide.

The whole thing's too vague to pin down easily, though. This is why I've cast my net hoping for word from the knowledgeable, but only, mind you, out of interest. I like knowing roots and sources, whatever they may be, when I can get them.

benhall.1 wrote:I think bensdad may be talking about a different meaning of the word "band" there, Mr Guru Sir. Maybe as a synonym for "sash" perhaps.

Sure, I get that, Sir Ben. As I said: maybe. I'd want evidence, contemporary with the tune, that "band boy" is/was used in that context, whereas the regimental usage seems well established. And even if so, the title doesn't necessarily imply a sectarian divide at all, unless you want to read that into it.

MTGuru wrote:...unless you want to read that into it.

Then I have no problem opting to read into it the possible meaning of a broader wish for peace.

OT;
I have always liked this song by Mickey Macconnell
as sung by Frank Harte

http://www.mickeymacconnell.com/Lyrics% ... rummer.htm