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Pat McGarr of the Gallowglass Ceili Band
Pat McGarr formed the
world famous Gallowglass Ceili Band in Naas, Co Kildare in 1950 along with
his elder sister Peggy on fiddle.
The band played locally in the early days however, it was in 1953 that
they first came to wider recognition
when they won the coveted Hohner Challenge Sheild for best Ceili Band in
Ireland.
This was a success that was to be repeated in 1954 and 1955. It was also in 1955
that the band played in Dublin's historic
Mansion House along side the celebrated Jim Cameron's Scottish Dance Band. By
now they were beginning to enjoy much
wider acclaim. 1955 again saw the band cut their first recordings for EMI
Columbia.
This was to be the start of many recording sessions right through the 50's, 60's
70' and 80's.
Paddy and the band would embark on many tours, including the world renowned
Carnegie Hall
in New York, The Royal Albert Hall in London, numerous tours of Scotland
and England.
(The Gallowglass being particularly popular in Scotland.) Radio and TV
appearances were also to follow.
The Gallowglass sound was unique. Use of the Saxophone played by the
legendary Mick Dempsey and
later the Clavioline played by Paddy's nephew Sean Keogh. made the band
instantly recognisible.
Paddy was the" King" of the Ceili Bands. He brought joy to dancers and
listeners worldwide with his distinctive
brand of music. A great loss to our scene. Paddy passed away in March 2005.
RIP. Dennis Morrison.
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