Report from The Fermanagh Herald – 4th January 1908

Christmas in Garrison 1907 – Irish Greetings and Decorations and the New Temperance Band.

Garrison, though put down in the geography of many as situated at the ‘ back of God speed,’ responded to the joyful season in fine style. The business houses glistened with holly and bright lights, and Christmas cards of Irish make and Irish lettering were readily available.

Mass in the Prish Church was celebrated at 6.00am before an immense congregation and the sacred edifice was aglow with the light of hundreds of candles fastened in candelabra festooned with ivy and holly.

Another event of Christmas morning was the first appearance at the early Mass of the Garrison Temperance Band who discoursed patriotic airs through the village and then played a selection of sacred hymns before the church.

The band’s first appearance was very creditable and received the highest praise. The instruments have been specially selected by a Garrison native musician and bandmaster, Mr Terence Maguire, The Round House, St. Albans. The powerful base drum is painted and bears the legend, Garrison Temperance National Band, 1907.