Musicians Directory: In Memory

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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. We are trying to get photos of all the musicians listed 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
	Abbott, Roy		Guitar	Interns (sadly passed away 31st August, 2013)
	Ainscough, Peter*	Clondalkin, Co. Dublin	Drums	Express Showband, Everglades Showband, Louis Stewart Trio (passed away October 23, 2004)
	Allen,  Merv	Larne, Co. Antrim	Vocals	High Seas Showband, Jimmy Johnston Band, Clipper Carlton, Students SB (Elaine Allen, Merv's daughter, wrote to tell us merv sadly passed away on the 11th May, 2010, He was 72 years old.)
	Andrews, Hugo	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Sax	Cousins, Sparkle, Flames, Rumble Band, Big Soul Band (Hugo sadly passed away 20th April, 2016)
	Ashford, Paul	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Bass	Miami, Stepaside, Dazzle Band, Emmet Spiceland  (Paul sadly passed away 10th January, 2011) Paul joined the Miami in August 1967, when the band split to form the the Sands. In 1973 he went to study at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Upon his return, he rejoined the Irish scene with Stepaside. Paul become a top session musician and fronted his own Paul Ashford Band up until the time of his death in 2011.
	Aughey, Sid (Donal)	Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	Drums	Drifters, Times  (Sid sadly passed away 29th July, 2014) Sid joined the Drifters around 1963 when he replaced Eddie Deehy as the band's drummer. He would leave the band in 1968 to form the Times which he stayed with until around 1971 when he left the stage to manage the band. He also managed the fortunes of the Swarbriggs Brothers through the late 1970's.
	Aylward, Jim	Carrick On Suir, Co. Tipperary	Bass	Voxenaires, Cowboys (Jim sadly passed away March 6, 1991)
	Baird, Harry	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Bass	Regency Showband (Harry sadly passed away on May 28th, 2020 age 73).
	Baker, Vinnie	Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	Guitar	Firehouse Five, The Plainsmen, Real Country, The Times (Vinny passed away suddenly on the 20th July, 2013) In 1982, Vinny quit the business but got back into playing when he started teaching his son. Vinny was soon the owner of a new recording studio. He released his first solo album, 'So', in 2003 and he continued to play and record regularly with the Tennessee Country Breakdown Band, along with other groups throughout the Midlands and across the country until his death. A friend to the site for years, our sympathies are extended to his family and friends.
	Barrett, Noel	Ballina, Co. Mayo	Guitar	Abilene Showband, Fairways (Noel sadly passed away in October, 1992 after a long illness)
	Barton, Johnny	Drogheda, Co. Louth	Drums	Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen, Tigermen (Johnny sadly passed away Apr 5, 2007 - Liam Reilly) Johnny started his career with the Flying Carlton in Drogheda , joining Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen in 1963. The band and Dermot parted company for a few years with Johnny , Eamonn Campbell, Timmy Regan and Willie Healy forming the Tigermen. They rejoined Dermot a couple of years later and Johnny and the late Derek McCormack remained with Dermot as the Dermot O'Brien Trio until Dermot moved to the USA - Liam Reilly
	Bates, Syd		Bass	Syd Bates Orchestra (Syd sadly passed away on March 9, 2008 - from his son, Jim and daughter, Jill. He was 86) Syd emigrated to New Zealand in 1985, but returned to Ireland in 2006 at the age of 84
	Bell, Crawford	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Guitar/ Trumpet	California Brakemen (Crawford sadly passed away on April 4th, 2024. He was 80) Crawford started his career on the showband scene with the California Brakemen in 1970. In 1977 he formed his own band called Steel Rail before going solo. He eventually became on the the top musical directors on the scene working with the likes of Nathan Carter and Daniel O'Donnell.
	Berkenheier, Ernie	Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin	Bass	Pat Lynch and the Airchords (Ernie sadly passed away on 23rd June, 2004)
	Berrill, Gene "Geno"	Dundalk, Co. Louth	Drums	Cotton Mill Boys, Farmer's Sons, Nevada (Geno sadly passed away on the 17th April, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.)
	Bible, Robert	Waterford, Co. Waterford	Keyboards	Tweed (Robert's cousin, Katie Measham, wrote to tell us that he was tragically killed in a car crash on Easter Sunday night, 24th April, 2011)
	Birch, Harry "Bo"*	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Vocals	Grenadiers Showband (Bo's daughter Jacqueline wrote us to let us know that Harry sadly passed away on November 5th, 1996) Harry would move from the showband world to the Northern cabaret scene in the 1970's. Eventually he would turn his talents to comedy for the last two decades of his life.
	Bogle, Martin		Manager	Memories (sadly passed away in August 1995 - Ken Bogle)
	Boland, Greg	Dublin	Guitar	Bumper to Bumper, Supply Demand and Curve, Scullion, Stagalee, etc. (sadly passed away in August 17th, 2018) Greg started his career playing with groups around Dublin, including Bumper to Bumper, but was soon one of the most highly sough after sessions players in Ireland. He came to fame with Supply, Demand and Curve and Stagalee. He was a member of the original Scullion played sessions with the likes of Stevie Winwood, Leo Sayer, Carole King, Mary Coughlan, Christy Moore, Moving Hearts, the Davey Spillane Band and many many more.
	Bourgoyne, Johnny (aka Stewart Neill)	Newcastle, Co. Down	Keyboards	Maurice Lynch Band, Red Sunbeams Showband, Pat Campbell Showband (Johnny sadly passed away 9th June, 2011 - Owen Neill, son) Johnny emigrated to Canada around 1968 where we think he stayed until his death the day before his 72nd birthday in Edmonton, Canada.
	Bourke, Ciaran	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Whistle	Dubliners (Ciaran sadly passed away on May 10th, 1988) Founder member of the Dubliners Ciaran, suffered a brain hemorrhage and collapsed on stage in 1974. Unfortunately, he never fully recovered and although he lived another 14 years he did not rejoin the group and was never replaced. His final appearance with the band was on the Late Late Show in March, 1987, he was only 53 when he passed away on May 10th, 1988.
	Bourke, Jeff	Urlingford, Co. Tipperary	Drums	Tweed, Kenny Ryder Band (Jeff sadly passed away in Nov., 2006)
	Boyle, Gerry	Portnoo Co. Donegal	Guitar/Vocals	Southern Express (Gerry sadly passed away in November 2009 - Paddy Gallagher) Gerry started his career playing guitar in Silver Wings which featured Benny Quinn who fronted the Keynotes after Margo. Then in the mid eighties he formed Southern Express. After a kidney transplant around 1990 but was back on the road in a few months again. He continued to play and record up until his death at the young age of 54.
	Brennan, Frankie	Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo	Guitar	Clefonaires Showband, Montrose (Frankie sadly passed away in Oct., 2003) He was a guitar player and singer with the Clefonaires Showband for some years and later joined the Montrose Showband that featured in the Showband Show on RTE
	Bridgeman, Noel	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Drums and Percussion	Skid Row, Gentry, Plattermen, Waterboys (Noel sadly passed away March 23rd, 2021) Starting on the beat group scene in the late 1960s, Noel would become one of Ireland's best known drummer.  Starting out with supergroup Skid Row, he would move on to play with bands like the Gentry and Rob Strong's Plattermen. In the 80s and 90s, he became a top studio drummer playing with a wide variety of Irish stars. He would also be a member of the Waterboys. Noel was 73.
	Brogan,  Frank	Foxford, Co. Mayo	Drums	San Antones Showband (Frank sadly passed away November 30th, 2009)
	Brogan,  John	Foxford, Co. Mayo	Bass	San Antones Showband (sadly passed away)
	Brogan,  Vincent "Vin"	Foxford, Co. Mayo	Vocals	San Antones Showband (Vin sadly passed away on May 27th, 2013)
	Brown, Billy	Ballymena, Co. Antrim	Keyboards	Billy McFarland, Freshmen, Brown & O'Brien, Billy Brown Band (passed away in 1999) Billy was one of the true pioneers of pop music in Ireland, guiding the Freshmen in the late 60's when Irish pop was still very much a part of the showband scene in the ballrooms and dancehalls. Their album, Peace On Earth, still stands as one of the best Irish pop records ever made. Billy went on to become one of Ireland's top song writers and record producers before his untimely death.
	Browne, James	Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo		Pete Browne's Band of Renown, Sundowners (passed away in 2002)
	Browne, John	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Bass	Jack Hanley Band, Ohio, Berwyn, Empire Showbands (John sadly passed away on March 4th, 2020)
	Browne, Pete	Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo		Pete Browne's Band of Renown, Sundowners (passed away on November 15, 2001)
	Bryan, Mike		Guitar	Classic Showband, Agents Showband, Fairways, Blue Boys (Mike sadly passed way April 25, 1970)
	Burke, Pat	Cahir, Co. Tipperary	Sax	Pat Burke 7 (Pat sadly passed away on November 20th,. 2017, he was 90). In September, 2017, Pat was still going strong at the age of 90. He had continued to entertain audiences across the Cork area since he moved there in 1976. Pat never gave up his "day job" but was retired for many years, although he was kept busy with his sax. We received sad news on November 27, 2017 from Eamon Burke that Pat sadly passed away on November 20th, 2017. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends across Ireland.
	Burns, Billy	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Guitar	Teddie Palmer Trend, Teddie Palmer & The Rumble Band, Confederates (emigrated to Canada with Muriel Day, but returned and sadly passed away a few years later).
	Burns, Paddy	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Manager	Indians, The Big Time (Paddy sadly passed away August 14, 2011 aged 79)
	Byrne, Billy	Kilcock, Co. Kildare	Guitar	Imperial Imps Showband, Altonaires (Billy sadly passed away on 3rd August, 2009 at the age of 64 after a short illness - from his son, Conor).
	Byrne, Eamonn		Guitar	Poteen (Maria Dowdall writes to tell us Eamonn sadly passed away.)
	Byrne, Eamonn	Rathgar, Co. Dublin	Drums	Flint (Eamonn sadly passed away on October 24, 2011. )
	Byrne, George	Arklow, Co. Wicklow	Drums	Red Seven/Columbia Showband (George sadly passed away July 25, 2024 - Michael Fitzgerald)
	Byrne, Seamus "Guy"	Passage West, Co. Cork	Vocals	Cossacks (Seamus sadly passed away August 8, 2016)
	Byrne, Sean	Strandhill, Co. Sligo	Manager	Silver Slipper Ballroom/Baymount Hotel, Strandhill Co. Sligo (Sean sadly passed away after a short illness on 11th April, 2016 ) Sean built the Silver Slipper Ballroom onto his Baymount Hotel in early 1960, opening the door on the 22nd of April. For the next thirty years, the ballroom was the hub of entertainment and dancing in Sligo and across much of the Northwest. It was eventually torn down and replaced with apartments, but never forgotten
	Cahill, Gerry	Caherlistrane, Co. Galway	Accordion	Gerry Cahill Dance Band (Gerry passed away 31st Oct, 2011 - Deirdre Hurney, his daughter) Gerry was born in Caherlistrane and started playing music from the age of eight. In the early fifties he moved to Galway to work, and also to continue his musical career. He played on Radio Éireann for the first time around then on a very popular programme called Beginners Please. In 1954 he got together with a group of talented musicians and formed a band which was known as The Gerry Cahill Dance Band. After he gave up the dance band Gerry turned to cabaret for a time, and recorded a solo LP for the Glenside label.
	Cahill, Joe		Manager	Paragon Seven Showband (sadly passed away in 2000)
	Cahill, Micky	Waterford, Co. Waterford	Drums	Derek Joys Showband (passed away March 16, 2002)
	Cahill, Theo	Cork, Co. Cork	Sax/Clarinet	Dixielanders, Dixies Showband (passed away July 24, 1988) Theo, a founding member of the Dixies, who formed the band with Joe McCarthy and Sean Lucey in 1954 was with the band through its entire career. He tragically passed away after collapsing during a gig in Achill, Co. Mayo.
	Callaghan, Colm*		Drums	Marines Showband (Colm sadly passed away)
	Campbell, Eamonn	Drogheda, Co. Louth	Guitar/Vocals	Delta Showband, Bee Vee's Five, Clubmen, Tigermen, Dubliners (sadly passed away on October 16th, 2017). Eamonn started his career with the Delta Showband and went on to join Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen eventually becoming one of the top session musicians in Ireland. He became a well known producer and produced the Dubliner's 1987 album 25 Years Celebration and continued to be a mainstay of the group's lineup until his death at the age of 70 after a short illness.
	Campbell, Eddie*		Guitar/Vocals	Federals, Stellas, Greenbeats, Real McCoy (passed away in the 70's in Canada)
	Campbell, Joe*	Belfast, Antrim	Trumpet/Drums	Presidents Showband, College Boys (Joe sadly passed away in 1990 - our thanks to his daughter Ciara  for the information)
	Campbell, Mick		Trumpet	Maurice Mulcahy Orchestra (Mick sadly passed away July 31, 1992 - John Campbell)
	Campbell, Pat*	Tydavnet, Co. Monaghan	Trombone/ Trumpet	Pat Campbell Showband, Dawn Knight & the Casuals (Pat sadly passed away in late April, 2006) Pat eventually retired to his home town of Tydavnet remaining active on the local scene for many years. He took an interest in politics and also began writing poetry in his later years. He sadly passed away at the age of 78 after a long period of ill health.
	Campbell, Wilgar	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Drums	The Method, Andwella's Dream, Taste (Wilgar sadly passed away in late April, 2006) Wilgar first joined Belfast band The Method which relocated to London in 1968. He then joined Taste in 1970. After leaving Taste, he played with Terraplane, and then formed The Wildcats. In 1976 he joined the 1950s-style rock and roll band Yakety Yak, and in 1981 members of Yakety Yak formed the Dragons, who changed their name to Sonny King & the Sons of Swing in 1982. Wilgar sadly died on October 1, 1989 after suffering from alcohol-related illnesses.
	Canning, Aidan	Co. Mayo	Trombone	Savoy Swing Seven, Jack Ruane Showband (passed away June 26, 1992)
	Cantillan, Joe	Limerick Co. Limerick	Sax	Berwyn Showband (Brendan O'Loughlin wrote and told us Joe sadly passed away on June 4, 2007)
	Carroll, Bert		Drums	Altonaires Showband (Clare Byrne, Robert's grand daughter wrote to tell us he sadly died of a heart attch in 1983. )
	Carlin, Hugo	Derry, Co. Derry	Bass	The Trend (Derry) (Hugo sadly passed away on the 29th of July, 2016)
	Carolan, Larry		Bass	Premier Aces (Larry sadly passed away on the 7th of October, 2019) Larry was still performing as far as we know. In late 2004, he recorded a song which commemorated the ancient history of a place called Loughcrew in Co. Meath. Loughcrew is a site of rich historical, archaeological and religious interest. Larry sadly passed away October 7th, 2019. Our sincere sympathies are extended to his family and friends.
	Carroll, Doc	Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo	Vocals	Band of Renown, Royal Blues, Nightrunners (Doc sadly passed away on May 1, 2005 at the age of 64) Born in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, Doc came to prominence in Pete Brown's Band of Renown and later with the Royal Blues and his own band, the Nightrunners. Doc was still performing when he fell ill early in 2005. He died on Sunday, May 1 and was buried in Athlone, where he lived at the time of his death.
	Carson, Billy*		Bass	Swingtime Aces, Gerry & The Ohio (sadly passed away Sept, 2002)
	Carwood, Mick		Keyboards	The Others (Mick passed away in 2002)
	Casey, Johnny		Keyboards	Mick Fogarty Showband (Johnny sadly passed away - John Fennessy)
	Cassidy, Ditch (aka Patrick)	Malahide, Co. Dublin	Vocal, Harmonica	News, Kingbees, White Magic (Ditch sadly passed away Nov 11th, 2020)
	Catterson, R.J.	Drumquin Co. Tyrone	Drums	Mighty Avons (R.J. sadly passed away April 5th, 2019)
	Cavanagh, Kieran	Easkey Co. Sligo	Bass	New Blues (Kieran sadly passed away January 30th, 2024) After joining the New Blues in 1975, Kieran went on to be one of the top international music promoters at home and abroad. Initially bringing top international acts to Ireland and most recently as Daniel O'Donnell's manager. He suffered from brain cancer and died aged 67.
	Chambers, Tony	Newport, Co. Mayo	Sax/band leader	Tony Chambers Orchestra (Tony sadly passed away)
	Chapman, Charlie	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Miami Showband, Flint (Charlie sadly passed away January 7th, 2023) After leaving the Miami he would emigrate to the island of Lanzerote where he played and sang continuously with a variety of bands and individuals until his death. He was just 66 years old.
	Clancy, Bobby	Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary	Vocals	Clancy Brothers (Bobby sadly passed away September 6, 2002)
	Clancy, Liam	Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary	Guitar/Vocals	Clancy Brothers, Makem & Clancy, Solo (Liam sadly passed away Dec. 4, 2009)
	Clancy, Paddy	Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary	Vocals	Clancy Brothers (Paddy sadly passed away November 11, 1998)
	Clancy, Tom	Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary	Vocals	Clancy Brothers (Tom sadly passed away May, 1990)
	Clarke, Bobby	Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	Trumpet	Classic, Blue Boys, Agents, Fairways, 2nd Sound (Bobby sadly passed away in Dublin on January 14, 2010 (www.rip.ie)
	Clarke, Joe*		Drums	Witnesses Showband, Dave Glover Band (Joe emigrated to Canada where he sadly passed away in February, 2003 - Mike Arkins)
	Cleary, Jimmy	Inchicore, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Blue Clavons, Melochords (Jimmy's son Mark wrote us to say his Father sadly passed away on September 28th, 2007 at the age of 72)
	Cleary, Johnny	Rhonda Valley, Wales	Guitar	Jack Ruane Showband (Noel O'Neill wrote to tell us Johnny sadly passed away)
	Cleary, Pat	Edenderry, Co. Offaly	Keyboards	Agents Showband, Fairways, Blue Boys (Joan McGuire wrote to tell us that Pat sadly passed away on the 16th of October, 2009)
	Clifford, Brendan		Sax	Dave Dixon Orchestra, Blue Notes (Brendan sadly passed away 17th March, 2012)
	Clifford, Norman		Keyboards	Miami, Lola and the Gypsies, Big 8 (Norman sadly passed away 13th January, 2013 - Ray Clifford) Norman started his career with the Imperial Imps when he was only 14. He then went on to help form Lola and the Gypsies with Anne Mooney. After a stint with the reformed Miami, Norman joined the Big 8 and went to Las Vegas. Like several of his band mates, Norman stayed in Vegas and was performing in many of the casinos around the city.
	Clince, Nancy	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Keyboards	Johnny Butler Orchestra, Kevin Doherty Band, Johnny Weir (Nancy's son, Alec, sent us an email to tell us she sadly passed away on March 16, 2010 after a short illness. Nancy was 87 years old.) After playing with the showbands in the early days, Nancy became a music teacher.
	Close, Dick		Bass	Cossacks Showband Founder (sadly passed away in 1998)
	Cole, Phil	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Sax	Crickets Showband (Thomas Harrington wrote to tell us that Phil sadly passed away a few years ago and we thank Thomas for the photo)
	Coleman, Tommy	Skerries, Co. Dublin	Bass	Graduates Showband (Frank Colman let us know that Tommy sadly passed away March 18th, 2021)
	Coll, Brian	Omagh, Co. Tyrone	Vocals	Polka Dots, Plattermen, Buckeroos (Brian sadly passed away on November 7th, 2020 age 79).
	Coll, Christy*	Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	Guitar	Classic Showband (Patrick Hoye wrote to tell us that Christy sadly passed away in early April, 2006)
	Coll, Martin	Omagh, Co. Tyrone	Guitar	Buckaroos, Big Valley, Rio Grande (Martin sadly passed away on May 1st, 2023).
	Colley, Harry*	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Farmer's Sons, Mushroom (sadly passed away)
	Collins, Donie	Askeaton, Co. Limerick	Clarinet/Trmpt	Donie Collins Band (Donie sadly passed away in 1987)
	Columb, Pete	Granard?, Co. Longford	Vocals	Hi-Lows (Pete sadly passed away on November 18th, 2015 - G. O'Hara)
	Collins, Pat	Unknown, Co. Dublin	Fiddle/Mandolin	Mushroom, Phantom Orchestra, Cafe Orchestra, Hotfoot (Pat sadly passed away on January 7th, 2020)
	Condon, Tony*	Waterford	Trumpet	Blue Aces Showband (Tony sadly passed away)
	Conlon, Jim	Waterford	Guitar	Royal Showband (Jim sadly passed away Dec 8th, 2018)
	Connolly, St John	Clontarf, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Greenbeats, Aesop's Fables, Colm Wilkinson Band (St John sadly passed away in Jan, 2007 - Marie Moore)
	Conway, Billy*	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Sax/ Keyboards/ Clarinet	Ascot Showband (our thanks to Billy's son, Brendan) Billy Conway Band (Billy sadly passed away in April, 2002)
	Conway, Jimmy	Ballyfermot, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Strangers, Bye-Laws, Big 8, Paddy Cole, King Creole (Jimmy sadly passed away on 18th Sept, 2021)
	Conway, Mickey	Magherafelt, Co. Derry	Sax	Green Angels Showband (Mickey sadly passed away November 17, 2006)
	Cooke, Liam	Cavan, Co. Cavan	Bass, Drums	Navak Showband, Lightning Express (John Harrold emailed us to say Liam sadly passed away May 13, 2023.)
	Coppinger, Michael	Waterford, Co. Waterford	Sax	Royal Showband, (Tony Killeen emailed us to say Michael passed away Nov 26, 2020)
	Costello, Johnny	Tuam, Co. Galway	Sax	Johnny Flynn Dance Band, (Marie Hannon tells us Johnny sadly passed away)
	Costello, Martin	Tuam, Co. Galway	Sax	Johnny Flynn Dance Band, (Marie Hannon tells us Martin sadly passed away)
	Costello, Philomena	Tuam, Co. Galway	Vocals	Johnny Flynn Dance Band, (Phil sadly passed away, she was the wife of sax player Johnny Costello)
	Coughlan, Frank*	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Guitar	Berwyn Showband, Hueston Wells & Trident, Gerry & The Ohio (Frank sadly passed away)
	Coughlan, John	Cork,  Co. Cork	Publisher	Spotlight Magazine (John sadly passed away Feb 2nd, 2013)
	Coughlan, Pat*	Cork, Co. Cork	Manager	Manager - Hilton Club in Cork, Top Hat Ballroom, Fermoy and Student Club, Cork (Pat sadly passed away in October, 2002 - our thanks to his daughter Anita for the photo)
	Coyle, David*		Vocals	Melody Aces Showband (passed away November 17, 1983)
	Cranny, Tom		Manager	Mexicans Showband (an article in Spotlight on February 8th, 1969 reported that Tom was killed in a car crash in late January, 1969
	Creagh, Seamus		Trombone	Crescent Showband, Coasters Showband, Barristers Showband, Bankers Showband (passed away suddenly July 11, 2003 - John Baird)
	Crean, Johnny	Ballina, Co. Mayo	Drums	Jack Ruane Showband, New Fairways (Noel O'Neill wrote to tell us that John was killed in a traffic accident near Killala, Co. Mayo on 25th July, 1979.)
	Creaney, Paul	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Guitar	Teddie Palmer and the Rumble Band (Paul sadly passed away in November, 2006)
	Creighton, Andy	Claremorris, Co. Mayo	Manager	Royal Blues Showband, D.J. Curtin & The Kerry Blues Flint, Memories, Plattermen, Samba & The Philosophers, Skid Row, Tom Kelly Sound (passed away December 4, 2003 in London)
	Cresswell, Pete	London, England	Guitar	Gene and the Gents, Flames (Pete sadly passed away June 18th, 2024 after a short battle with liver cancer).
	Cribben, Shay	Kilkelly, Co. Mayo	Vocals	Riviera Showband, Second Sound (Shay sadly passed away Sept. 30, 2005 after a long battle with cancer)
	Croker, Brian	Glengormley, Co. Antrim	Guitar	American Express (sadly passed away in early 2012 - Jim Nolan)
	Cronin, Gerry	Tuam, Co. Galway	Vocals	Johnny Flynn Band, Gerry and the Ohio, Cronin Family (passed away April 3, 1988)
	Croghan, Oliver	Longford, Co. Longford	Bass	Hi-Lows (Sharon Tighe-Mooney wrote to tell us Oliver sadly passed away in February, 2002)
	Cronin, Bridie	Tralee, Co. Kerry	Sax	Denis Cronin Orchestra & Showband (Denis sadly passed away March 29th, 1968 only 44 years of age)
	Cronin, Denis	Tralee, Co. Kerry	Sax/Guitar	Stardusters, Denis Cronin Orchestra & Showband (Denis sadly passed away March 29th, 1968 only 44 years of age)
	Crooks, Herbie*	Larne, Co. Antrim		Cameron Clan (died in a traffic accident)
	Cuffe, Mick	Belcarra, Co. Mayo	Keyboards	Brose Walsh Band (passed away in September, 2002) Our thanks to Brian Harrington for the photo of Mick
	Cullen, Gerry	Waterford, Co. Waterford	Bass / Vocals	Royal Showband, (Gerry sadly passed away on April 9th, 2024) Our thanks to John Harrold for letting us know
	Cunningham, Aidan	Cootehill Co. Cavan	Steel Gtr	Mighty Avons, Country Blue Boys, Cotton Mill Boys (Aidan sadly passed away on May 18th, 2018 - J. McGrenra)
	Cunningham, Larry	Granard, Co. Longford	Vocals	Mighty Avons, Country Blue Boys, Solo (Larry sadly passed away on 28th September, 2012)
	Curran, Shay		Trombone/ Keys	Pacific Showband, (Shay sadly passed away in 2015 - Robert Curran)
	Curran, Tomas	Killea, Co. Donegal	Vocals	Blue Glows Showband, Jackie & The Top Stars (Tomas sadly passed away suddenly on 29th June, 2009 - from John McGrenra )
	Curran, Grant (aka Curror)	Scotland	Guitar	Swingtime Aces (Grant sadly passed away on August 24th,m 2013 - from his daughter, Amanda)
	Curtin, Billy	Tralee, Co. Kerry	Sax	Arrivals Showband, Swingtime Aces (Billy sadly passed away January 12th, 2012) Brother of Kerry Blues' musicians, Alfie, John and D.J. Curtin, Billy played sax with the Swingtime Aces and the Arrivals Showband until 1971. After leaving the showbands, Billy played with the Guinness Jazz Band and was still playing music up until three months before his passing.
	Curtin, Glen	Cork, Co. Cork	Vocals	Glen Curtin Band, New Blues, Nevada, Galaxy Band (Glen sadly passed away September 20th, 2009 aged 66) Glen started his Irish career in March 1972 with The Glen Curtin Band and later joined the New Blues. After the New Blues, Glen was with the Nevada. He then formed his own Galaxy Band in the late seventies. He had many hit records during his showband career. His album "The Very Best of Glen Curtin" was recently released on Crashed Records.
	Cusack, Ger	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Voicals	Empire Showband (Ger sadly passed away March 3, 2019 age 77 after a long illness )
	Dalton, Mike	Listowel Co. Kerry	Bass	Bunny Dalton Showband, Capitol, Smokeys, Paddy Cole Band (Mike sadly passed away in 2014- Timothy McDonagh)
	Davis, Gerry	Drumlish, Co. Longford	Bass	Hi-Lows Showband (Gerry sadly passed away on March 12, 2010- Oliver Casserly) We have found online that Gerry was 62 in 2004, so we are assuming he was around 68 when he died.
	Delahunty, Mick	Clonmel, Co. Tipperary	Sax	Mick Delahunty Big Band (passed away February 29, 1992)
	Delahunty, Maxie	Clonmel, Co. Tipperary	Drums	Rim-Shot Showband, Mick Delahunty Jr Band. (passed away December, 2008)
	Dempsey, Noel	Ballyronan, Co. Wicklow	Trombone and Vocals	Mexicans Showband. (Noel sadly passed away March 29th, 2024)
	Denvir, Philip	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Sax	Banshees, Mexicans (Philip emigrated to the States in the mid 90's and ran a sailing school on the Chesapeake Bay with his wife, Arabella. He sadly passed away when he suffered a heart attack on July 24, 2011.)
	Devaney, Mickey		Sax	Quicksilver, Johnny Flynn Showband (sadly passed away - John Baird)
	Devaney, Tommy	Castlebar, Co. Mayo	Sax/Clarinet	Brose Walsh & The Rockaways, Seapoint Orchestra, Jack Ruane Orchestra, Pete Brown Band, West Coast Jazzband, The Pat Friel Group, and the Devonaires (Our thanks to Noel O'Neill) (passed away in 2000)
	Devey, William		Drums	Cadets (Willie sadly passed away in May, 2004)
	Devine, Al		Sax	Airchords Showband (Al sadly passed away in Mach, 1998 - from his son, Phil)
	Diggins, Ber	Thurles Co. Tipperary	Guitar	Cossacks Showband (Ber passed away June 30th, 2014 - from his nephew, Paul Phillips)
	Diggins, Pat	Thurles Co. Tipperary	Bass	Cossacks Showband (Pat passed away in Oct, 2007 - from his nephew, Paul Phillips)
	Dixon, Dave	Clones, Co. Monaghan	Sax/Clarinet	Dave Dixon Orchestra, Dixonaires Showband  (Dave sadly passed away on stage March 5, 1985-aged 59) Dave was there at the beginning of the showband era in 1950 with his Dave Dixon Orchestra. Around 1962, he dropped the Orchestra concept, added guitars and became the Dixonaires Showband and was the first band for Eurovision star, Pat McGeegan. Dave and his band played until 1985, when he passed away on stage while playing a charity gig for the local hospital.
	Doherty, Jim	Dunloy, Co. Antrim	Guitar	Walter Lewis Enterprise, Glensmen, American Express, Playboys   (Jim sadly passed away February 24, 2012 - Paul Mulholland)
	Dolan, Joe	Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	Vocals/Guitar	The Drifters (Joe sadly passed away December 26, 2007) Not much can be said about the showband era without the mention of Joe Dolan and the Drifters, one of the most successful bands of the era and one of the most enduring performers the country has ever known. For a full appreciation of Joe and his career, Please click here.
	Dolan, Joe	Galway, Co. Galway	Guitar	Sweeney's Men, Capitol Showband, Swingtime Aces (Joe sadly passed away of cancer on January 7, 2008 - Pat Loughman) The "other" Joe Dolan was an art student in Dublin and the original guitar player with The Capitol Showband. He left when Jimmy Hogan and Butch Moore joined from the Blue Clavons. He had previously played with the folk group, Sweeney's Men, who were managed by Des Kelly. After leaving the scene he became a professional artist in Co. Galway until his death.
	Donaghey, Gregory	Sion Mills, Co. Tyrone	Vocals	Drumbeats, Polka Dots, Cadets, Nashville Ramblers  (Gregory sadly passed away May 2, 2024)
	Donnelly, Philip	Clontarf, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Elmer Fudd, Gary Moore, Plattermen, Donovan (Philip sadly passed away on November 28th, 2019) Philip started his career as part of the beat group scene in and around Dublin and was soon part of the showband world joining the Plattermen in the early 1970's. However, Philip would go on to not only fame across Ireland, but across the world playing with stars from many genres of music including the Gary Moore Band, Johnny Cash, Everly Brothers, Donovan and John Prine.  He would spent many years living in Nashville where he played on hundreds of tracks as a session player.
	Doohan, Tom*	Charlestown, Co. Mayo	Sax/Clarinet	Dixietones (Tom sadly passed away in 1972)
	Doyle, Danny	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals/Gtr	Music Box. Solo (Danny sadly passed away on the 6th of August, 2019) Danny was one of the pioneers of the folk scene back in the mid-sixties and along with folk singers like Johnny McEvoy, he would soon make the transition to the showband circuit, although not very successfully. He would become of of Ireland's most successful ballad and folk singers with hits like "A Daisy A Day," "Whiskey on a Sunday" and "Rare Auld Times." He would continue to tour internationally until his death.
	Doris, Malachy	Cookstown, Co. Tyrone	Accordion/ Vocals	Vincent Lowe Trio, Granada Showband, Malachy Doris Ceili Band, Rovers Showband (Malachy sadly passed away October 1st, 1999) Malachy, like contemporary Dermot O'Brien, came from the Ceili tradition in Ireland, starting out with the Vincent Lowe Trio before forming his own band. As Ceili died away in the dancehalls, Malachy turned his talents to the showband scene, first with the Granada Showband and then his own Rovers Showband.
	Doyle, Dan	Rialto, Co. Dublin	Sax	Brose Walsh & The Rockaways (passed away December 25, 1983)
	Doyle, Kenny	Drogheda, Co. Louth	Keyboards	Maurice Lynch Band, Tigermen, Denver Showband (Kenny sadly passed away in early Sept, 2010- Paul Martin)
	Doyle, Tony	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Vocals	Clefonaires Showband (sadly passed away)
	Drennan, Tommy	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Vocals	Monarchs, Freshmen, Top League, All Stars (Tommy sadly passed away 11th July, 2024, aged 81)
	Duffy, Brendan	Letterkenny, Co. Donegal	Drums	Marines Showband, Envoys Showband (Brendan sadly passed away Sept 7th, 2019)
	Duffy, George	Dundalk, Co. Louth	Sax	George Duffy Orchestra (George sadly passed away April 25th, 1993 aged 73)
	Drew, Ronnie	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals/Gtr	Dubliners, Solo career  (Ronnie sadly passed away on 16th August, 2008) A founder members of Ireland's greatest folk export, The Dubliners, Ronnie was a legend on the Irish and international entertainment scene. Along with Luke Kelly, he forged a new era in Irish folk music and was recognized as one of Ireland's greatest story tellers. He will be missed.
	Duffy, Frances*	Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan	Vocals	Newline Showband, John Murphy Band  (sadly passed away)
	Duffy, Martin	Baganelstown, Co. Carlow	Manager	Ritz Ballroom, Carlow, Dreamland, Athy, St. Joseph's Hall Blessington  (sadly passed away 5th April, 2009)
	Duffy, Terry	Strabane, Co. Tyrone	Guitar	Enabarts, American Pie, Clipper Carlton  (sadly passed away 28th August, 2013 - Clare O'Brien)
	Duggan, Don (John)	Waterford, Co. Waterford	Vocals	Footappers Showband, Savoy Showband (Don sadly passed away May 2nd, 2019).
	Duggan, Gerry	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Guitar	Duggan Brothers, Brotherly Love (Gerry sadly passed away September 13, 2008). One of Sligo's very talented Duggans, Gerry and his brothers made an impression on the local scene while still in school. In the early seventies, they were signed by EMI records and released several singles. The band retired to civilian life in the early 80's and Gerry became a very successful architectural engineer, working on many prominent buildings in Ireland.
	Dunne, Andy	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Keyboards	Mitch and the Edition, Boys N' Girls  (Andy's son writes to tell us he sadly passed away in 1986)
	Dunphy, Sean	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Hoedowners (sadly passed away 17th May, 2011) A carpenter by trade, Sean went to England after serving in the Irish Army. He returned to join the Hoedowners who scored 14 chart singles and became one of the most successful bands of the era. Sean was also in Eurovision. in 1973 Sean emigrated to Canada, but returned to Ireland and spent his last years entertaining fans around Ireland, although on a  much reduced schedule.
	Dunphy, Tom	Waterford, Co. Waterford	Bass	Royal Showband, Brendan Bowyer & The Big 8 (killed in a car crash on July 29, 1975) A founding member of The Royal Showband, Tom had the distinction of singing on the very first showband record, Come Down The Mountain Katy Daly. After almost 15 years of success with the Royal, Tom, along with Brendan Bowyer, formed the Big Eight and started performing in Las Vegas as the showband era started to slide. On a trip home in 1975, Tom was killed on his way to a gig near Drumsna, Co. Leitrim.
	Dwyer, Johnny	Riverstown, Co. Sligo	Drums	Cathal Dunne and Stateside (Cathal told us that Johnny sadly passed away at a very young age)
	Dwyer, Tommy	Clonmel, Co. Tipperary	Sax	Voxenaires, Cowboys (Tommy sadly passed away - Billy Byrne)

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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, 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.