The largest digital showband archive in the world!
Based In Sligo, Ireland / email: showbands@gmsproductions.com

CLICK FOR:     FREE FORUM        HOME PAGE        GUESTBOOK      MAKE A DONATION

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.


© 2002-2015 GMS Productions

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