Barrow Boys Showband (1961-1972)
Photo Gallery -
Band Lineups -
Discography
- Audio samples -
Where Are They Now?
The Story
The Barrow Boys showband was named after the river Barrow that ran
through their home town of Graignamanagh in County Kilkenny. Around
that time the term Barrow Boys was also used for young boys who sold
goods from wheelbarrows in many of Ireland's towns in earlier times.
In fact an article in 1960 said there were now too many barrow boys
in Limerick whose business was seen as detrimental to the local shop
owner who paid rates.
The first listings we could find
for dances indicate the band hit the road in late 1961. We are
unsure who their original manager was, but in August 1962, their
"new" manager was Martin J. Duffy, Kilree Street
in Bagnelstown. Throughout 1962, the band continued their
success and building their reputation, but were still mainly playing
around the southeast of the country.
As far as we can tell, the band
stayed together until 1972. We have been able to find the names of
some of the members, if you know any more, please let us know. They
are: Jack Bolger,
Billy Hoare, Martin Costello and Pierre Fenlon
(RIP-trumpet).
More to come.....
click on thumbnails for full image
