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Musicians Directory: In Memory

A-D      E-M         N-Z on this page  116       Back to main Directory

It is a sad fact that we are all getting older far too quickly. Since the Showband Era started almost 65 years ago, the musicians who made up it's ranks are all advancing in age. Even someone who was 20 in 1985 as the era ended is over 55, with the elders of the era pushing past 80!

We take this opportunity to pay tribute to the many stars on whom the curtain has come down all too soon. Where possible we try to give details of the musician's passing and their career in bands. This listing is by no means complete and only includes those musicians for which we have received notification of their passing and have done our best, in all cases, to double check the accuracy of the info we have received.    

If you would like pay tribute to someone by adding them to this list, click here to let us know. If the last name is highlighted, click on it for more info! We are trying to get photos of all musicians here. Please let us know if you have one, we especially would like photos from the showband era.

Photo Last, First Home Town Instrument(s) Bands
Neenan,
Tony
Cork,
Co. Cork
Trumpet Arrivals Showband
(Tony sadly passed away)
Neilsen,
Carl
Copenhagen,
Denmark
(Strandhill,
Co. Sligo)
Trumpet Clefonaires Showband
(Carl sadly passed away on June 23, 2011)
Neville,
Larry
Cork,
Co. Cork
Trumpet Dixielanders Showband, Michael O'Callaghan Showband
(Larry sadly passed away on March 11, 2006- from Sarah Murray)
Newman,
Tony
Mullingar,
Co. Westmeath
Drums Arkansas Travellers, Haggards, The Drifters
(passed away in 2000)
Nolan,
Mike
Dundalk,
Co. Louth
Trumpet Billy Brown Band, Stage 2, Pacific Showband, Clubmen
(passed away January 9, 2005)
Although Mike was with several showbands, he was best known
for his work in Jazz with artists like Louis Stewart, Keith Donald,
Dessie Reynolds, Johnny Wadham and others. In his latter years
he wrote commercial jingles as well as continuing to perform in
Jazz clubs around Ireland. 
Noone,
Patrick J.*
Roscommon,
Co.
Roscommon
Trumpet Tara Showband
(Patrick emigrated to Canada in the mid 1960's with the Tara
Showband and passed away on February 12, 2007. From Chris Noone,
his son.)
Norman,
Sean
Edenderry,
Co. Offaly
 
Accordion Sean Norman Ceili Band
(Sean started the band in 1965 and sasdly passed away Sept 23, 2023)
Norris,
Leslie*
  Drums Silver Clouds
(Leslie died suddenly at the age of only 57 on Feb. 15, 2006
our thanks to Alan Carr for the notice)
O'Brien,
Brendan
Cork,
Co. Cork
Vocals Dixielanders, Dixies Showband, Stage Two
(Brendan sadly passed away on April 3, 2008-age 67)
Brendan was one of the legends of the showband era with the
Dixies. They scored their greatest success with the single Little
Arrows which was number one on the Irish Charts. Brendan nearly
died after being electrocuted on stage in 1974 and although plagued
with health problems since, he continued to perform up until the
time of his death. See his story here.
O'Brien,
Brendan
Enniskillen,
Co. Fermanagh
Vocals Skyrockets, Jim Farley Band
(Brendan sadly passed away in 2000 - Alex McKeown)
 
O'Brien,
Dermot
Ardee,
Co. Louth
Accordion &
Vocals
Clubmen Showband, Dermot O'Brien Band
(Dermot sadly passed away on May 22, 2007)
Dermot came to prominence in Ireland originally as a member of the
County Louth GAA team. Together with his accordion he had many~
hits and was on the balltroom scene for many years with his band
the Clubmen and then as a solo artist in cabaret. Her emigrated to |
the States where he continued to play the clubs up and down the
East Coast of the U.S. until the time of his death. 
O'Brien,
Fergus
Santry,
Co. Dublin
Trumpet Tony and the Graduates
(Fergus sadly passed away 11th May, 2013 - Ken Aust)
Ken Aust (Gibson) writes to tell us when Fergus left the Graduates he
went to play with the The Tophatters who were resident in the Top
Hat Ballroom in Dun Laoghaire in 1969. After that he left music and
went into the central heating contracting business. Around 1990 he
took a gig playing in The Unicorn Restaurant in Merrion Row. In 2005,
he emigrated to Spain where he was playing sax and golfing everyday
until his death 11th May, 2013.
O'Brien,
Francis
Arklow,
Co. Wicklow
Drums Quartermasters
(Francis sadly passed away 8th Feb., 2016 - Liam O'Reilly)
O'Brien,
John
Bray,
Co. Wicklow
Guitar Bagatelle
(John sadly passed away April 26th, 2019)
O'Brien,
Noel*
Enniskillen,
Co.Fermanagh
Drums Trenniers Showband
(Noel sadly passed away a few years ago)
O'Brien,
Paud
Arklow,
Co. Wicklow
Sax/Clarinet Red Seven Showband, Avonairs Showband
(Paud sadly passed away 18th Sept, 2020 - Liam O'Reilly)
O'Callaghan, Bobby Buttevant,
Co. Cork
Vocals Michael O'Callaghan Band (our thanks to Con Collins for info)
(passed away September 21, 1987. Our thanks also to Bonny's
daughter Eileen O'Grady for the photo of her father. )
O'Callaghan, Michael Buttevant,
Co. Cork
  Michael O'Callaghan Band
(Michael sadly passed away December 7, 2007. Our thanks also to
Liam O'Reilly for the info).
O'Connell,
Paddy
Limerick,
Co. Limerick
Manager Shaun O'Dowd & Dingaling, Candi & Dynamite,
Kim Newport Band, Tommy Drennan and Top League
Two Mile Inn 
(Paddy sadly passed away in January 2006)
O'Connell,
Nelius
Abbeyfeale,
Co. Limerick
Manager Kerry Blues, Jim Farley All Stars, Frankie McBride & The Polka Dots,
Maisie McDaniel, Nita Norry, Philomena Begley & The Country Flavour
(Nelius sadly passed away August 5, 2006)-his son, Donal.
O'Connor,
Maurice
"Mossie"
Newcastle West,
Co. Limerick
Drums Donie Collins Band, Maurice Mulcahy Band (a.k.a. Ronnie Fox)
(sadly passed away March 31, 2005)
O'Connor,
Tommy
Tralee,
Co. Kerry
Bass Kerry Blues
(sadly passed away December 2, 2013 thanks to Ger Boyle for photo
and updated info)
O'Domhnaill,
Michael
  Guitar Bothy Band 
(Michael sadly passed away in July, 2006)
O'Dowda
Donal
  Guitar Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen 
(Donal sadly passed away)
O'Duffy
Phillip
Bray,
Co. Wicklow
Guitar Deep Set, Cadets, Cottons Mill Boys, Grassroots
(Phillip sadly passed away in August, 2017)
O'Dwyer
Tommy
Clonmel,
Co. Tipperary
Sax Rim-Shot Sowband
(Tommy sadly passed away April 2005)
O'Dwyer
Willie
Co. Tipperary Unknown Tommy Weston Dance Band
(Willie sadly passed away - John Ryan)
O'Grady,
Michael "Mog"
Kilkenny,
Co. Kilkenny
Keyboards Nomads. Jim Cantwell, Tweed 
(Michael sadly passed away on April 21, 2020)
O'Grady,
Mick
  Bass Vampires 
(Michael sadly passed away on Oct 20, 2007 - Tom Foley)
O'Hara,
Dan*
Blacklion,
Co. Cavan
Guitar/Vocals Philomena Begley's Country Flavour, Ramblin' Men, Dan also
fronted the band as Dan O'Hara and the Country Flavour in the mid
70's.
(Dan sadly passed away November 13, 2004)
O'Hagan,
Fergus
    Clipper Carlton
(Fergie sadly passed away February 24, 2007)
O'Hanlon,
Mick
  Drums Clipper Carlton
(Mick sadly passed away September 7, 2009)
O'Hara,
Shay
Carlow,
Co. Carlow
Vocals Royal Blues, Premier Aces
(Shay emigrated to Australia and sadly passed away on the 20th
March, 2009)
O'Leary,
Finbar*
Cork,
Co. Cork
Keyboards Dixielanders, Dixies Showband
(Finbar sadly passed away June 12, 2002)
O'Leary,
Hugh
Castlefin,
Co. Donegal
Sax Blueglows Showband
(Hugh sadly passed away in Sligo 30th May, 2016.)
O'Leary,
Sean
Unknown,
Co. Cork
Trumpet Regal Showband
(Sean sadly passed away July 31, 2012 aged 81 - our thanks to
Breda Stafford)
O'Leary,
Tony (Richard)
Bray,
Co. Wicklow
Vocals Uptown Band, Capitol, Smokeys, Gallowglass
(Tony sadly passed away May 28th, 2021 - our thanks to John Harrold)
O'Loughlin,
Denis*
Limerick,
Co. Limerick
Sax/Clarinet Pete Roxborough Orchstra, Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen
(Denis sadly passed away)
O'Mahony,
Chris*
  Bass Dixielanders, Dixies Showband
(Chris sadly passed away July 10, 1990)
O'Neill,
Billy
  Guitar Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen
(Billy sadly passed away)
O'Neill,
Brian
Keady,
Co. Armagh
Sax/clarinet Majestic Showband, Canvas Wagon
(Brian sadly passed away)
O'Neill,
Joe
Castlerea,
Co.
Roscommon
Manager House of Music, Sound of Music, Jet Club, Ennis
(Joe sadly passed away 17th May, 2012)
Musician, promoter, manager...Joe did it all during his long career
in the Irish entertainment industry. From the 1970's until the time of
his death, Joe was one of Ireland's most successful music retailers.
Many showbands stopped in Glenamaddy to buy, rent or get
equipment repaired for over 40 years. His ballrooms packed in
dancers throughout the showband era. A personal friend, I bought
my first Strat from Joe in 1974. He will be missed. 
O'Neill,
John
Donaghmore,
Co.
Tyrone
Accordion Old Cross Country Band, Country Flavour
(John sadly passed away 30th December, 2018)
Founder member of the Old Cross Ceili Band which in 1959 placed
fourth in the Ceili band section of the All-Ireland Fleadh held in Thurles.
In the early 1960's they added a female vocalist, Philomena Begley to
lineup and never looked back becoming the Country Flavour and one
of the top country bands in Ireland. John would go on to remain one of
the top figures on the traditional scene in the North until his passing.
 
O'Neill
Mickey
Castleblaney,
Co. Monaghan
Drums Manhattan Showband, Capitol Showband, Times, Swarbiggs.
Paddy Cole Superstars, Big Eight 
(Mickey sadly passed away on June 14, 2010 in Las Vegas - from
Geraldine Swarbrigg)
One of Ireland's best known drummers, Mickey played with many of
the top bands on the ballroom scene in the 60's 70's and into the 80's.
He eventually emigrated to Las Vegas in 1983 with the rest of the Big 8
and remained there until his death.
O'Reilly
Liam
Arklow,
Co. Wicklow
Guitar Columbia Showband, Quartermasters, Red Seven
(Liam sadly passed away on July 18th, 2022)
O'Reilly
Shay
  Trombone/
Vocals
Casino, Indians
(Shay sadly passed away in early 1998 we think))
O'Riordan
Enda
Newcastle,
Co. Tipperary
Manager Cowboys
(Enda sadly passed away on April 14, 2008)

O'Rourke,
Jack
Mallow,
Co. Cork
Manager Majestic Ballroom, Mallow and Top Hat, Fermoy
(Jack sadly passed away on May 1, 2005) Besides being one of the
best known ballroom promoters in Ireland, Jack was also the Chairman
of the Irish Ballroom Bands Association (IBBA) when it was first
formed. He would be a part of the Associated  Ballroom Group as well.
We thank his son, Brendan for the info and photos of his
father.

O'Rourke,
Margaret
Dumnafinla,
Co. Leitrim
Vocals Hi-Lows  (Margaret sadly passed away July 15, 2013)
Margaret O'Rourke sadly passed away suddenly on July 15th after a
short illness.
In 1976 she joined the Hi-Lows Showband and released
several records including The Perfect Match with Gerry Reynolds. She
continued to sing in the church choir, at charity functions and in later
years at weddings and funerals. Unfortunately, Margaret had to cease
her singing career when she lost her voice in the early 1990’s.
However she continued to be very involved with local theatre and the
ICA in Leitrim.

O'Rourke,
Padraig*
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Vocals Clowns
(sadly passed away)

O'Sullivan,
Kevin
Cork,
Co. Cork
Bass/Mgr. Ritz Showband
(John Whyte wrote to tell us his Uncle, Kevin, sadly passed away
in a house fire in April, 2008)

O'Sullivan,
Joe
Cork,
Co. Cork
Drums Michael O'Callaghan Showband, Dixies
(Barry wrote to tell us Joe sadly passed away on the 10th May, 2010)

O'Sullivan,
Murt
Bantry,
Co. Cork
Accordion Regal Showband
(Mike Ahern wrote to tell us Murt sadly passed away)

O'Sullivan,
Paddy
Bantry,
Co. Cork
Bass Regal Showband
(Mike Ahern wrote to tell us Paddy sadly passed away June 1, 2013)
O'Toole,
Fran
Bray,
Co. Wicklow
Keyboards/
Vocals
Miami Showband
(killed by terrorists on July 31, 1975)
A very young Fran O'Toole joined the Miami after they split to
form the Sands in 1967. When Dickie Rock went solo, Fran
stepped out front and instantly became one of Ireland's best
loved entertainers. He was also a prolific songwriter and penned
several smash hits for the band and others. He was gunned
down by terrorists on a country road while they were planting a
bomb on the band's van, which went off prematurely.  
Owens,
John "Chuck"
Granard,
Co. Longford
Vocals/
Fiddle
Wagon Wheels, Sahara, Texans, New Smokeys, Country Blueboys
(Chuck sadly passed away Dec 21st, 2020)
Chuck started his career in the late 1960s with his own family band
but would soon form his own band, Wagon Wheel. He would eventually
joined the Sahara Showband and while there was drafted to join the
Texans, a band managed by Jimmy Higgins which would become the
New Smokeys in 1973. He and wife June would end up as members of
Larry Cunningham's Blueboys until the early 1980s when they formed
their own band, the Gamblers. He would continue to play a major role
in midland music producing many records up until his death.   
Patterson,
Dorothy
Letterkenny,
Co. Donegal
Vocals The Pattersons
(we understand Dorothy passed away in 2009)
Pearse,
Danny
  Vocals/Guitar Danny & The Lions, Jim Farley Big Band, Jim Farley Band Show  
(passed away March 15, 1969)
Phelan,
Martin
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Vocals Miami, Sands  (Martin sadly passed away July 17, 2010)
Sax player, Martin, started his career in 1961 with the Miami and broke
away in 1967 to help form the Sands. Martin was one of the last of the
original members of the band to leave in 1973. He went to Canada, but
returned to Ireland and purchased a hotel in Dublin which he ran for a
time but eventual sold. In recent years he had been performing with
wedding band, Hi Society. Our sincere sympathies are extended to his
wife,
Nuala, and children Tagart, Emma, Leigh, and Martin-Bryce.
Piggot,
Ernie
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Vocals Odeon Showband  
(Ernie sadly passed away)
Ponsonby,
Denis
Letterkenny,
Co. Donegal
  William Ponsonby Showband
(sadly passed away in 1996 - our thanks to
Des Ponsonby, his son for the info and photo)
Ponsonby,
Eamon
Letterkenny,
Co. Donegal
Drums William Ponsonby Showband, Blue Glows Showband
(Eamon sadly passed away Nov 26th, 2017 at age 85)
Ponsonby,
Ted
Letterkenny,
Co. Donegal
Guitar Denver Showband, Section One, Rascals
(Ted sadly passed away September 13th, 2023)
One of the most well known musicians from Donegal, Ted was a member of the very musical Ponsonby family from Letterkenny striking out on his own with his band Section One which soon became the Rascals along with brother Don. For the next decade they were one of the top pop bands in the country and Ted then focused on his solo career as a session musician and producer playing with many of the top artists in Ireland.
Ponsonby,
Terry
Letterkenny,
Co. Donegal
  William Ponsonby Showband
(sadly passed away)
Ponsonby,
William
Letterkenny,
Co. Donegal
Accordion William Ponsonby Showband
(sadly passed away)
Prendergast,
Frank
Co. Waterford Trumpet Bridesiders
(Frank's son, Frank wrote us recently and told
us that Frank, Snr. sadly passed away in January, 1991)
Prendergast,
Joe
Co. Waterford Bass Bridesiders, Victors
(Joe's brother, Frank wrote us recently and told
us that Joe sadly passed away in September, 2006 aged 60)
Power,
Lenny
Co. Wicklow Guitar Jay Byrne Showband, Smokey Mountain Ramblers
(Lenny's daughter, Carol, wrote us recently and told
us that Lenny sadly passed away in 1994)
Purdy,
Norman
Larne,
Co. Antrim
Vocals High Seas Showband
(sadly passed away)
Quinn,
Ben E.
Portnoo,
Co. Donegal
Vocals Keynotes Showband
(Ben sadly passed away - John McGrenra)
Ben replaced Margo in the Keynotes Showband in 1972 and
release the record "Little Cabin Home On The Hill" before the
band called it quits in the mid-seventies.
Quinn,
Liam "Clem"
Rathfarnum,
Co. Dublin
Guitar Miami Showband
(Clem sadly passed away in November, 1996)
Quinn,
Hugo
  Trumpet Clipper Carlton Showband
(Hugo sadly passed away October 26, 1987)
A founding member of the Clipper Carlton, Hugo was one of the
driving forces behind the band's several comebacks in the late
1960's and again in 1985. So much so, that his death in 1987
resulted in the end of the band forever.
Quinn,
Mick
Dublin,
Dublin
Manager Dickie Rock, Daddy Cool & The Lollipops, Sheeba, Red Hurley
Pacific Showband

(Mick sadly passed away February 22nd, 2015)
 
Quigley,
Tommy
  Trombone George Duffy Orchestra
(Tommy sadly passed away)
 
Rea,
Seamus
  Guitar/
Vocals
Gerry & the Presidents  
(Seamus sadly passed away 27th May, 1984 - Teresa Rea)
Reid,
Ted
Rasharkin
Co. Antrim
Gtr/Steel Cotton Mill Boys  
(Ted sadly passed away on July 25th, 2008 - Shane Reid)
Reilly,
Jimmy
Athenry
Co. Galway
Drums Swingtime Aces  
(Jimmy sadly passed away on August 22nd, 2018 - Gery Flynn)
Reilly,
Paddy
Longford
Co. Longford
Drums Hi-Lows Showband  
(Sadly passed away-Sharon Tighe Mooney)
Reynolds,
Albert
Rooskey
Co.
Roscommon
Manager Reynolds Brothers "Land" Ballrooms  
(Albert sadly passed away August 21, 2014)
 
Reynolds,
Gerry*

Co. Leitrim
Vocals Hi-Lows Showband  
(Gerry sadly passed away in July, 2002)
Gerry joined the Hi-Lows in April, 1972 and had an immediate hit
with his recording of 100 Children. He fronted the band for many years
along with Margaret Rourke. After leaving the band he retired from
show business.
Reynolds,
Paddy
Drogheda,
Co. Louth
Sax Casino Showband
(Paddy sadly passed away)
 
Rice,
Gerry
Belfast,
Antrim
Sax/clarinet Witnesses Showband
(Gerry sadly passed away on 5th August, 2021)
 
Gerry's son, Brian wrote to tell us Gerry passed away on August 5th,
2021. He continued to live in Belfast with his wife Eilish and five
children. From the 1970s onwards he worked as a freelance/session
musician. His work included sessions with the BBC Concert Orchestra,
the Ulster Orchestra and working with in house bands for RTE, BBC
and ITV. Our sincere sympathies are extended to Gerry's family and
friends. .
Richardson,
Barry
London,
England
Sax/bass Alpine 7, Crickets Showband, Bluesville
(Barry sadly passed away on 25th December, 2001)
 
Ring,
Donal
Cork,
Co. Cork
Accordion Donal Ring Ceili Band
(Donal sadly passed away March 5th, 2022)
 
Roche,
Mick
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Vocals Vampires, Arrows, Dublin Corporation, Miami
(Mick sadly passed away on May 11th, 2019)
 
Roddy,
Peter "Peter Boy"
Derry,
Co. Derry
Vocals Trend Showband
(Peter sadly passed away on 22nd January, 2018)
 
Roddy,
Seamus
Castlepollard,
Co. Westmeath
Drums & Bass Firehouse, Sahara, Plainsmen
(Seamus sadly passed away on 22nd Sept, 2011 - Vinny Baker)
 
Roper,
Pat
Scotland Vocals Spotlights, Bernie and the Tartans
(Pat sadly passed away in the United States in August, 2010)
 
Ruane,
Jack Sr.*
Ballina,
Co. Mayo
Sax/Clarinet Jack Ruane Showband  
(Jack sadly passed away May 6, 1997 aged 85)
One of the major figures of the showband era to come out of the
west, Jack and his band lead the way from Mayo from the 1940's
and for the next three decades. Known as "the Head" locally, Jack
continued to play sessions in and around his native Ballina right up
until the time of his death and his legacy was kept alive by sons,
Judd and Jack Jr. 
Ryan,
Declan
Cork,
Co. Cork
Guitar/Vocals Regal Showband, Arrivals Showband
(Declan sadly passed away on 18th March, 2019)
Ryan,
Eamonn*
Tuam,
Co. Galway
Guitar Bandits Showband
(no relation to Tommy, Eamon sadly passed away on 29th July, 2001
-Veronica Ryan)
Ryan,
Gerry
Dublin
Co. Dublin
Bass Hoedowners, Caroline Showband
(Gerry sadly passed away on June 7th, 2022 aged 77)
Gerry joined the Hoedowners on bass, moving the Caroline showband in 1966. He would tour the UK but eventually returned to Dublin and in 1984 emigrated to the United States where he worked as a carpenter for many years. 
Ryan,
Liam
Tipperary
Co. Tipperary
Manager Casino Showband, Radio Showband, Country Style, Farmer's Sons
(Liam sadly passed away on October 20th, 2020 aged 88)
Ryan,
Tommy*
Tuam,
Co. Galway
Bass Bandits Showband, Crystal All Stars
(Tommy was killed in a car crash)
Sands,
Eugene
Newry,
Co. Down
Mandolin Sands Family
(Eugene was sadly killed in a car crash in Germany in 1975
at the age of only 21)
Scott,
Brian
  Drums Trend, Teddie Palmer's Rumble Band
(emigrated to Canada but sadly passed away)
Scott,
Seamus
Elphin,
Co.
Roscommon
Sax Ramblers Showband
(Al Owens tells us Seamus sadly passed away)
Scott,
Simon
(Real name:
Ivan Vaughan)
Dungannon,
Co.
Tyrone
Vocals Dave Glover, Plattermen, Apaches, Zodiac Showband
(Simon was tragically killed in flooding during Storm Desmond on
December 7th, 2015, he was 70 years old and on his way home
from a gig.)
Scully,
Barry
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Bass Ray Richards Showband, Emile Ford and the Checkmates, Bandleader
Resident Band - The Regent Rooms London, The Beat Brothers
(Hamburg), Gene and the Gents, Roly and Green County, Spice
(resident Donaghmeade Inn Dublin), Dickie Rock Band

(Barry sadly passed away December 10, 2007 age 64)
Shanagher,
Peter
Ballintubber, Co.
Roscommon
Bandleader Ivy Caste Dance Band
(Peter sadly passed away in May, 2004)
Peter lead the Ivy Caste Dance Band from the 1940's until they
called it quits in 1955. He helped start the Pioneer Aces, but
gave over the reins to Stephen Treacy and Paddy Malone. The
band stayed on the road for over a decade. He left Ireland and
emigrated to England where he lived until his death.
 
Shearer,
Dom
Strabane,
Co. Tyrone
Sax Clipper Carlton
(Dom sadly passed away August 31, 2005)
Dom joined the Clipper Carlton in 1956 as lead vocalist. 
Sheehan,
John
Cork,
Co. Cork
Trumpet Dixielanders Showband
(John sadly passed in 1999 - Rachel O'Leary-granddaughter)
John's granddaughter, Rachel O'Leary, writes to tell us that John left
the band in 1964 due to illness. He fully recovered and played on the
jazz scene around Cork and Ireland for many years. Sadly, John
passed away in 1999 leaving behind four children and ten
grandchildren.
Sheerin,
Pat
Mullingar
Co.Westmeath
Drums Classic Showband
(Pat sadly passed away in September, 2015)
Sheerin,
Sam
Mullingar
Co.Westmeath
Sax Classic Showband
(Sam sadly passed away the week of Oct. 3, 2005-Pat Hoye)
Shelly,
Pat

Carlow
Bass Oscars Showband
(Liam Kelly to tell us Pat sadly passed away)
Sheridan,
Peter

 
Manager Brian Harkin & The Plainsmen,
Frank McCaffrey & The Country Folk
Venues: Longford Arms, Longford, Odea's Hotel, Loughrea
(Peter sadly passed away in 1998)
Sherlock,
Jack
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Sax Crickets Showband
(Jack sadly passed away in 1995 - Thomas Harrington-photo) 
Sherman,
Bertie*
Rathdowney,
Co. Laois
Sax Tweed
(Bertie sadly passed away on July 22 (or 24th), 1978 - Seanie Ryan
and Aidan McCane) 
Shine,
Owen
Athlone,
Co. Weatmeath
Keybaords Brendan Shine Band
(Owen sadly was killed on November 5th, 1997 in a fall in a hotel in
Birmingham, England during a tour. He was only 44.) 
Skillen, 
Barney
  Guitar Flint, Clipper Carlton , Santa Fe Showband, Pikemen
(Barney sadly passed away December 16th, 2015 - Gerry McCorry) 
Smith,
Dominic*
Sligo,
Co. Sligo
Drums Clefonaires
(Dominic sadly passed away in 1979) 
Smith,
Jimmy
Ballyhaise,
Co. Cavan
Trombone Mighty Avons
(Jimmy sadly passed away on the 15th August, 2021 aged 83.)
A founding member of the Avons along with brother Paddy and Peter
the band would enjoy success featuring Larry Cunningham, Gene
Stuart and Brian Harkin during their years on the road. Jimmy
would later become involved in local radio wiuth both TTTR Radio,
Dublin and later Galway Bay FM.
Smith,
Peter
Ballyhaise,
Co. Cavan
Sax Mighty Avons
(Peter sadly passed away on the 19th October, 2021)
 
Smith,
Mike
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Trombone Carousel Showband, Circles
(Mike's daughter, Linda Smith recently wrote to tell us that he
sadly passed away in October, 1974. He was only 37 years old.) 
Smith,
Michael
,
Co. Cavan
Sax Hi-Lows
(Mike's daughter, Yvonne emailed us in Feb, 2020 to tell us that he
sadly passed away on October 24th, 2015. He was 90 years old.) 
Smith,
Paddy*
Ballyhaise,
Co. Cavan
Trumpet Mighty Avons
(Paddy sadly passed away - John Baird) 
Smyth,
Des
Artane,
Co. Dublin
Vocals Des Smyth & the Collegemen, Family Pride, Solo 
(Des sadly passed away 23rd February, 2020)
Somers, 
Vinnie
Sligo,
Co. Sligo
Sax, Bass Niagra, Powermen, Plainsmen
(Vinnie sadly passed away May 28th, 2019)
Sproule,
Geordie
Belfast,
Co. Antrim
Sax Federals Showband
(Geordie sadly passed away  - Vaughan Byrne)
St. Leger,
Pete
    Victors Showband
(Pete sadly passed away December 7, 1993)
Stewart,
Davy
  Vocals Clouds
(David Johnston tells us Davy sadly passed away in 2005)
Street,
Gary
(Joe Conway)
Co. Roscommon Vocals Jivenaires, Agents Showband, Fairways,
(a.k.a. Joe Conway, passed away on July 5, 2003) 
Born in Geesala, Joe Conway adopted the stage name of Gary
Street during the mid-1960s. It stuck so well that many people
were unaware of any other name for him. In 1968, his
composition ‘Flippidy Flop’ reached No. 10 in the Irish Top 20 and
stayed in the charts for five weeks. After leaving the Fairways in
1976, he moved to England where he fronted a resident band for a
number of years up until his death. 
Stuart,
Gene
Dungannon,
Co. Tyrone
Vocals Regents Showband, Mighty Avons, Homesteaders 
(Gene sadly passed away 11th February, 2016)
Gene's long career in music started in the mid 60's and he would join
the Regents Showband, then the Mighty Avons and finally his own
Homesteaders Band. Throughout his career he remained one of the
top country stars in Ireland and the UK.

 
Taylor,
Roy
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Vocals, Bass Nevada, Jump the Gun 
(Roy saldy passed away June 1st, 2023 after a battle with Motor Neuron Disease - MND.)
Roy joined the Nevada in 1977 and soon owned the band. In 1983, he joined Peter Eades of the Miami in forming Jump the Gun. The band would represent Ireland in 1988 with Roy's song, "Take Him Home" which placed a respectable 8th out of 21 entries. In more recent years he worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funding for research into MND.
 
Thomas,
Vinnie (Finnie)
Craughwell,
Co. Galway
Bass Fleet, Boys 'n Girls, Magic Band 
(Vinnie sadly passed away)
 
Thompson,
Sean
Cootehill,
Co. Cavan
Vocals/
Trumpet
Sean Thompson and the Everglades 
(Sean sadly passed away 13th February, 2010 - from Anthony
Loughman)
 
Thornton,
Dave
Belfast,
Co. Antrim
Vocals Plattermen 
(Dave sadly passed away March 20th, 2019 from Christina Thornton)
 
Thunder,
Alan
Cabra West,
Co. Dublin
Drum The Movement, Dreams, Joe Cuddy Band (1984) 
(Alan sadly passed away in Cork Dec. 8, 2010)

 
Tiernan,
Malachy
Charlestown,
Co. Mayo
Sax/Clarinet Riviera Showband 
(Malachy sadly passed away in July 2007)
 
Tierney,
P.J.
Carlow,
Co. Carlow
Sax/Clarinet P.J. Tierney Orchestra
(P.J. sadly passed away July 24, 2000)
From Carlow, P.J. played with several small groups and bands in
the area in the 1940's including the Stardust. In 1949 he formed his
own P.J. Tierney Orchestra, a nine piece band that was on the road
until 1962. In his later years he opened a clothing store and became
one of Carlow's most successful businessmen in  the taxi trade. He
was 78 when he passed away with over 50 years on the music
scene. 
Tobin,
Bernard
Cork,
Co. Cork
Vocals/Sax Impact Showband 
(Bernard sadly passed away July 27, 2007-from his daughter Gayle)
 
Tobin,
Jim
Castlepollard
Co. Westmeath
Vocals Firehouse 
(Jim sadly passed away August 24th, 2019)
 
Tohill,
Tommy
Warrenpoint,
Co. Down
Bass Rhythm Aces, Hilton Showband 
(Tommy sadly passed away June 9th, 2020-J. Harrold)
A founding member of the Hilton Showband from Newry in 1963
Tommy would play with the band for nearly fifty years until around
2010. In fact three original members (Mick Doran and Ricky McVey)
would keep playing to fans around the North.  
 
Trainor,
Hughie*
  Sax/Clarinet Hughie Trainor Band Show
(Hughie sadly passed away November 25, 2003)
Traynor,
Dave
Rathcoole,
Co. Dublin
Sax Uncle Ham, Jim Farley, Stage 2, Country Folk,  Gentry
(Dave sadly passed away July 18th, 2022)
 
Treacy,
Liam
Ballintubber,
Co.
Roscommon
Bass Premier Aces, Rhythm Stars 
(Liam sadly passed away)
 
Treacy,
Stephen
Ballintubber,
Co.
Roscommon
Accordion
Keys
Guitar
Premier Aces, Rhythm Stars 
(Stephen sadly passed away Feb 22, 2020 - Stefan Nyland)
 
Treacy,
Tony
Ballintubber,
Co.
Roscommon
Guitar Hi-Lows 
(Tony sadly passed away - Sharon Tighe Mooney)
 
Tyrell,
Jim
Arklow,
Co. Wicklow
Keyboards/
Trumpet
Columbia Showband, Ranchers, Jim Tyrell Trio
(Jim sadly passed away May 14, 2007)
Tyrell,
Mick
Arklow,
Co. Wicklow
Bass Columbia Showband,
(Mick sadly passed away some years ago - Liam O'Reilly)
Tyrell,
Pat
Arklow,
Co. Wicklow
Sax/keys Columbia Showband,,
(Pat sadly passed away 16th Feb, 2021 - Liam O'Reilly)
Verdon,
Liam
Strandhill,
Co. Sligo
Vocals Stylos Showband,
(Liam sadly passed away January 7th, 2012)
Wadham,
Johnny
Croydon,
England
Drums/
Percussion
Louis Stewart Trio, countless recording sessions
(Johnny sadly passed away September 1, 2003 at the age of 67)
Johnny was never a member of a showband, but he had more
influence on the showband era than all but a handful of
drummers. Johnny was one of the main session drummers
in Dublin throughout the showband years. His versatility and
skills made the perfect man to get a session done quickly and
done right. We will probably never know how many showband
tracks bear Johnny's mark as most bands didn't want their fans
to know they had not played on their own records. He will be
missed.   
Wallace,
Val
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Guitar Intruders
(Terry Carroll tells us Val sadly passed away in 1985 from Motor
Neuron disease.)
Walsh,
Christy
Carlow,
Co. Carlow
  Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen, Vikings, P.J. Tierney Band,
Paragon 7, Jack Ruane Showband
(Christy sadly passed away on  March 3, 2006)
Following his career in the showbands, Christy became best known
as a radio presenter in Carlow at CKR where his catch phrase was
"morning all." Our thanks to Liam Kelly for the news about Christy's
passing.
Walsh,
Gerry*
Ballyhaise,
Co. Cavan
Bass Mighty Avons
(Gerry passed away in Oct., 2001)
Walsh,
Ina*
Letterkenny,
Co. Donegal
  William Ponsonby Showband
(Ina sadly passed away-John Baird)
Walsh,
Robbie
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Vocals Adolph J. Ragg, Magazine, Honey Suite, Orphanage
(Robbie sadly passed away Oct. 6, 2007 at the age of just 60 -
Des Hickey)
Walsh,
Tommy
Tuam,
Co. Galway
Trumpet Millionaires, Tony & The Graduates, Bandits SB, Real McCoy
(Tommy sadly passed away of the 7th February, 2016 after a long
battle with cancer)
Walsh,
Tony*
Waterford,
Co. Waterford
Trombone/
Guitar
Blue Aces Showband
(Tony passed away)
Ward,
Willie
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Trumpet Jackpots Showband, Altonaires Showband
(Willie sadly passed away June 14, 2006 - our thanks to his son Will
and daughter Niamh.)
Wells,
Houston
England Vocals Premier Aces, Trident Showband
(Houston sadly passed away 27th Dec, 2013 - Anthony O'Hagan)
The former lead singer with the Premier Aces was also with The
Trident Showband based in Limerick. In recent years he had
signed a deal with Rollercoaster Records UK, and had new songs
recorded in association with his son Rob Smith as well as other
session musicians in New Zealand, where Houston lived since the
1973. Our sympathies are extended to his family and friends in
Ireland, England and New Zealand.
Weston,
Tommy
  Banjo Mick Delahunty Orchestra, Tommy Weston Dance Band
(Tommy sadly passed away - John Ryan)
 
Whelan,
Bertie
  Drums Oscars Showband
(Liam Kelly writes to tell us Bertie sadly passed away)
Wickham,
Ray
Sligo,
Co. Sligo
Guitar St. Mary's Ceili Band
(Ray's brother Paul wrote us to say he passed away Sept. 3rd, 2019)
Whitcomb,
Ian
Surrey,
England
Vocals Bluesville
(Ian sadly passed away on April 19, 2020)
Whitley,
"Wee" Harry
Belfast,
Co. Antrim
Guitar Oceans Showband, Brunswick Showband
(Harry sadly passed away-Robert Magee)
Williams,
Paul
  Guitar Greenbeats
(Paul sadly passed away November 22, 1967)
Wills,
Pip
  Guitar Champs
(Glen Brown writes to tell us Pip passed away)
Wilson,
Andy
Belfast,
Co. Antrim
Trombone The Witnesses
(Andy sadly passed away after a battle with cancer in July, 2015 -
Anthony Stuchbury)
Wilson,
Des
Dundalk,
Co. Louth
Keyboards/
Vocals
Tracy & the Grassroots, The Big Country, Cotton Mill Boys
(Des sadly passed away)
Woodful,
Dermot
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Guitar Roly Daniels & Green County, Sugar Shack, Jim Farley Band
(Dermot was sadly killed in a car accident in Canada in the
early 1990's. He was a brother of Brian and John Woodfull of the
Casino Showband/Indians-our thanks to Martin Branigan for info.
We received an email from Yvonne Ratigan telling us Dermot
actually passed away in 1976, our thanks to her.)
Woodful,
John
Dublin,
Co. Dublin
Guitar Casino Showband / Indians
(John sadly passed away on December 30th, 2017).
John was an original member of the Casino Showband in the 1960's
and stayed with the band when they became the Indians in 1971. He
would continue to play with the band until the very late 1990's
when he retired from the stage and took up his passion for painting
which he continued until his death.  
Woods,
John
    Tara Showband
(John emigrated to Canada in the mid 1960's and sadly passed away in
December, 2003 - Kristen Thornton)
Woods,
Kevin
Drumshanbo
Co. Leitrim
  Kevin Woods Showband
(Kevin emigrated to New York where sadly passed away in Dec,
2012, aged 91.)
Woods,
Tony
Donegal,
Co. Donegal
Vocals Gay McIntyre, Jim Farley, Rhythm Boys, Express Showband
(Tony sadly passed away in Derry some years ago - John Baird)
Young,
Michael
  Bass Altonaires Showband, Maurice Mulcahy Big Band
(Sean sadly passed away Dec 7, 2007 - Andy Young, his son)
Young,
Sean
  Keyboards Altonaires Showband
(Sean sadly passed away Sept 11, 2010 - Colm Young, his son)

Acknowledgements:
*Our thanks to Jimmy Compton, Brian O'Brien, Brian "Shorty" O'Kane, Danny McLaughlin, Martin Flynn, Andy Monk, Joe Dodd, Peter Kinsey, Teddie Palmer, Patrick Hoye, Karl Compton, Louis Chapman, Michael Niblett, Declan Colgan, Mick Gilligan, Michael Conway, Paul Welch, John McGrenra, Alan Carr, Norman Bissett, Alan White, Tom Ivory Jr., Glen Brown, John Baird, Dave Hynes, Ernie Corrigan, Paddy Brennan's "Golden Era of Irish Showbands," & Eugene Nixon's "He's Not Working...He's in a Band" for their assistance with many of the names on this list.

 


© 2002-2022 GMS Productions

In Loving Memory of Grant Gallagher: Sept. 21, 1990 - Nov. 18, 2006