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. 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
	Eagleton, Kevin	Tuam, Co. Galway	Vocals	Paramount Showband (Kevin's daughter, Eileen, wrote to tell us that he sadly passed away on May 2, 2003 at the age of 63 due to complications from a brain aneurysm in San Francisco, California)
	Ellis, Barbara	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Vocals	Fairways, Duskey Sisters (Barbara sadly passed away Oct. 9, 2018) Barbara started her career with the Fairways in the mid 1970's. In 1982, the band hit the big time when they represented Ireland in Eurovision singing "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow," which reached number 12 in the Irish charts. After the band broke up in 1983, Barbara would continue to sing with Sandy in her Patsy Cline show and in 2006, she formed a wedding band called Champagne which played weddings and functions across the country.
	Ellis, Frank	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Drums	Duskey Family Roadshow (Frank sadly passed away Jan. 4, 2013) In the early days of the showband era much of rural Ireland got its entertainment from traveling road shows like the Duskeys who traveled the length and breadth of Ireland and England with their own brand of family entertainment. Frank was the father of Sandy Kelly and Barbara Ellis and was once married to the late Maisie McDaniel. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends in Ireland and the UK.
	English, Jimmy*		Bass/Fiddle	Des Smith & The Collegemen (sadly passed away)
	Fahy, Frank	Tuam, Co. Galway	Vocals	Bandits Showband, Raindrops Showband (Frank sadly passed away n February, 2017)
	Fahy, Jerry*	Tuam, Co. Galway	Vocals	Jerry Fahy & The Fleet, Niagra Showband (Jerry sadly passed away-John Baird) Jerry was also the drummer with the Niagra Showband. After the Fleet he emigrated to Canada where he formed a country band called Branded Man. He was tragically killed in a car accident while living in Canada. (From John Baird).
	Falahee, Mick	Limerick	Sax	Berwyn Showband, Donie Collins Band (Mick sadly passed away)
	Fallon, Bernie	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Drums	St. Mary's Ceili Bandshow, Smokey Mountain Ramblers, Rocky Tops (Bernie sadly passed away on 23rd October, 2007) Bernie was an original member and drummer with The Smokey Mountain Ramblers and The Rocky Tops. He started his career playing with the St. Mary's Ceili Bandshow before joining Pat Ely's band in the mid 1960's, along with long time band mate Tommy Higgins. After leaving the showband scene in the early 70's Bernie played the Sligo pub scene for many years before retiring from playing several years ago.
	Fanning, Jimmy	Balbriggan, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Strangers, Dreams, Arrivals Showband (Jimmy sadly passed away May 12th, 2013)
	Farrell, Paddy*	Laytown, Co. Westmeath	Guitar	Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen, Dee Jays Showband (sadly Paddy passed away)
	Farrelly, Dick	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Keyboards/Gtr	Keltic Wine, Hoot'nanny's, Rob Strong's Rockets (told by his son Gerard that Dick sadly passed away in 1990)
	Faulkner, Jimmy	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Floating Dublin Blues Band, Session musician (sadly Jimmy passed away March 4, 2008) Although never in  showband, Jimmy was one of Ireland's finest guitar players. He started out on the Dublin group scene in the late 1960's but soon gravitated towards jazz and traditional music. He played on albums and toured with a wide variety of artists including Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Ronnie Drew, Don Baker, and many more.
	Fay, Cel*	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Trumpet	Senators Showband (sadly Cel passed away - Mike McVicker)
	Fean, Johnny	Limerick, Co. Clare	Guitar	Horslips, Zen Alligators (Johnny sadly passed away April 28, 2023) Johnny joined Horslips in late 1972, replacing Declan Sinnot. He soon proved himself to be one of the top proponents of Celtic rock Ireland had ever know. He would form the Zen Alligator in 1980 and eventually spent time gigging in the UK before returning to Ireland. He joined up with ex Miami bassist Steven Travers in the early 00s and continued to play until shortly before his death.
	Fearon, Brian	Dungannon, Co. Tyrone	Bass	Brendan Hughes & The Huskeys (Brian sadly passed away - Colum McCaffrey)
	Feeney, Joe	Longford, Co. Longford	Sax	Hi-Lows (The original sax player with the Hi-Lows, we were told he has sadly passed away by Sharon Tighe-Mooney)
	Fennessey, Frank	Clonmel, Co. Tipperary	Keyboards	Tommy Weston Dance Band (Frank sadly passed away - John Ryan)
	Finlay, Brian*	Co. Cavan	Drums	Mighty Avons (Brian sadly passed away in December, 2002)
	Fisher, Sammy*	Ramelton, Co. Donegal	Guitar	Envoys Showband (Sammy sadly passed away)
	Fitzgerald, Barney	Bundoran, Co. Donegal	Accordion	Richie Fitzgerald Ceili Band (Barney sadly passed away on October 27, 2021)
	Fitzgerald, Richard	Bundoran, Co. Donegal	Accordion	Richie Fitzgerald Ceili Band (Richie sadly passed away on January 25th, 2007) Along with Dermot O'Brien, Richie was one of the true stars of the Irish entertainment scene before the domination of the showbands in the 1960's. Along with his sister Kathleen and brother Barney, he was also one of the top recording stars of the Ceili era in the 1950's. After leaving the road, Richie opened the popular Fitzgerald's Music Centres, of which there were nine across Ireland and England in the 1980's. He continued to perform with Barney from time to time until his passing in 2007.
	Fitzgerald, Tom	Birr, Co. Offaly	Vocals	Conquerors (Tom sadly passed away 6th July, 2014)
	Fitzpatrick, Paul	Newry, Co. Down	Keyboards	Dreams (20 year old Paul was killed in a motorcycle accident-Sept, 1979) Paul had been keyboard player and vocalist with the Newry based pop band, The Dreams for two and a half years and was a promising young talent on the music scene in the North. He was killed on his motorcycle at Meigh, Co. Armagh.
	Flavelle, Jackie	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Bass	Dave Glover, Johnny Quigley, Jokers, Swingtime Aces (Sad news from Pat Hoye that Jackie Flavelle passed away in Belfast at the age of 78.) After an illustrious career on the showband circuit he played with outfits like the Chris Barber Band and made a name for himself at home and abroad in the upper echelons of jazz music. He release a solo album in 1972 and after nearly a decade in England, returned to Belfast in 1977.
	Fleming, Howard	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Sax	President's Showband (Howard's daughter Paula Tierney emailed us to say Howard sadly passed away in February, 2008)
	Fleming, Victor		Trombone	Clipper Carlton Showband (Victor sadly passed away)
	Flynn, Brendan	Tuam, Co. Galway	Sax	Johnny Flynn Showband (John Baird tells us Brendan sadly passed away)
	Flynn, Francie	Tuam, Co. Galway	Bass	Johnny Flynn Showband, Johnny Flynn Sound (Francie sadly passed away Jan 26, 2016) Francie played with local bands after his showband days including Rosaleen and the Ramblers. He was a talented carpenter and for many years taught woodworking at the Toghermore Training Centre, Tuam (An HSE Mental Health Service Vocational Training Centre) until he retired.  Francie passed away on January 26th, 2016. He will be sadly missed by friends and family across Ireland especially in the Tuam area.
	Flynn, Johnny	Tuam, Co. Galway	Keyboards	Johnny Flynn Showband, Johnny Flynn Sound (Johnny sadly passed away in November, 1996)
	Flynn, Liam Og	Kildare, Co. Kildare	Uilleann Pipes	Planxty (Liam sadly passed away on March 14th, 2018 after a long illness at the age of 72.)
	Fogarty, Mick	Cashel, Co. Tipperary	Trumpet - Band Leader	Mick Fogarty Showband, Southern Stars (Mick sadly passed away)
	Frawley, John*	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Vocals	Monarchs Showband (passed away June 27, 1989) John was a male nurse before joining the Monarchs in 1963. He was born in 1942 and grew up in Limerick and Dublin. He sang at his first concert when he was 11 and came from a very musical family. He sadly passed away in 1989 at the age of only 47. As far as we know, he only released one single with the Monarchs, Pearly Shells, in 1967.
	Frieberg, Carl		Sax	Mick Delahunty Orchestra (Cyril sadly passed away February 27, 2008 - Sandra Clancy)
	Fullard, Cyril	Tuam, Co. Galway	Sax	Galway Blazers, Raindrops, Philosophers, Olly Maloney Showband (Cyril sadly passed away February 27, 2008 - Sandra Clancy)
	Fuller, Bill	Kilflynn, Co. Kerry	Manager	Crystal Ballroom, Town & Country Club, Old Sheiling Hotel (all in Dublin), Atlantic Ballroom (Tramore), Teach Furbo (Spiddal).   (Bill sadly passed away at age 91 in Santa Monica, CA) At one point he owned 23 ballrooms across Ireland, England and the US including the famous Filmore West in San Francisco. He was also a concert promoter including people like Billie Holiday and Jerry Lee Lewis and he was a major promoter of Irish acts in Las Vegas where he lived at one time.
	Furlong, Clem	Dalkey Co. Dublin	Keyboards	Mick Delahunty Orchestra (Clem's daughter, Marguerite, wrote to us in August 2019 to let us know that her father died suddenly of a heart attack on August 17th, 1974.)
	Gaffney, Peter		Sax	Mick Delahunty Orchestra (Peter sadly passed away - John Ryan)
	Gallagher, Bridie	Creeslough, Co. Donegal	Vocals	Solo Star (Bridie sadly passed away 9th January, 2012) Came to prominence in 1956 with her recording of A Mother's Love Is A Blessing and became Ireland's first female superstar. For over 50 years Bridie thrilled audiences around the world with her songs of Ireland in a simpler time. She was 87.
	Gallagher, Davy			Paddy Cole Superstars (Davy sadly passed away  - Eugene McColgan)
	Gallagher, Francie*	Stewartstown, Co. Tyrone	Drums	Malachy Doris Trio (Francie sadly passed away - Eddie Doris)
	Gallagher, Jimmy*	Derry, Co. Derry	Sax	Lakewood Swingtette, Mighty Rhythm Boys (Jimmy sadly passed away -John Baird)
	Gallagher, Johnny	Donegal		Margo and the Keynotes (Johnny passed away in early May, 2005)
	Gallagher, Rory	Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal	Guitar/Vocals	Fontana Showband, (became Impact Showband), Taste, Solo (sadly passed away in 1995) One of Ireland's greatest and best loved showmen, Rory was the inspiration for a generation of guitar players in the early 1970's when Irish rock was in its infancy. After a short stint on the showband scene he formed Taste, one of the greatest power power trios of all time and eventually went solo, garnering a reputation as one of the world greatest blues guitarists.
	Garland, Billy	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Drums	The Circle, The Imposters   (sadly passed away on the 18th Dec, 2012 - Giovanni Flavell)
	Gavin, Seamus	Castlebar, Co. Mayo	Bass	Brose Walsh Orchestra (passed away in February, 1998)
	Geraghty, Martin	Kilbride, Co. Meath	Guitar/Vocals	Ian Corrigan and Country Style, Mighty Avons, Farmer's Sons (we received an email from Catriona Donnelly telling us the sad news that Martin passed away on July 13, 2009)
	Geraghty, Tony*	Kimmage, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Miami Showband (killed by terrorists on July 31, 1975)
	Gibney, Eamon	Glasnevin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Purple Pussycat, Arrows, Alyce, Brogue, Gibney and Donovan (Eamon sadly passed away June 9th, 2014)
	Gill, Earl	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Trumpet	Sean Dunphy and the Hoedowners (Earl sadly passed away 4th May, 2014) Earl got his start in the 50's playing with other bands around Dublin. The Hoedowners started life as the resident band in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. In fact, as were many bands of the day, they were actually more of an orchestra. During the winter the band played in the hotel ballroom, but during the summer they hit the road. He became one of Ireland's most talented arrangers and session musicians throughout his career.
	Gillen, Roddy	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Guitar/Banjo	Clefonaires, Savoy Swing 7 (Roddy sadly passed away 27th January, 2024) Roddy started his career with the Clefonaires Showband based in Tubbercurry. A few years later he joined the Savoy Swing Seven. He eventually gave up life on the road and in the mid 1960s he joined local group, The Ladds who would become the Jazz Ladds. For the next half century they thrilled audiences in the Sligo area with their own brand of Dixieland jazz. A fixture on the Sligo entertainment scene for the last 50 years,
	Gilmore, Colm	Kircubbin, Co. Down	Vocals	Colm & the Sundowners (Colm's niece Aine, wrote to let us know that Colm sadly passed away August 19, 1997)
	Glover, Dave	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Trumpet	Bob Robison Band, Dave Glover Showband (Dave sadly passed away age 85 on 27th April, 2009) Dave was a legend in the North where he was one of the top band leaders from the 50's through the showband era. He has said he was the first to coin the term "showband." He was married to Muriel Day, who appeared in the Eurovision for Ireland in 1969. Dave continued to play regularly with his own jazz band till a year before his death.
	Grace, Brendan	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Gingermen, Solo Artist (Brendan sadly passed away on July 19th, 2019, aged 68) Brendan started his career at age 16 singing on the folk circuit around Dublin. He enjoyed a string of hit records in the 1970's and 1980's. He had several television shows on RTE during those decades as well as starring in musical theatre. He eventually moved to Florida with his wife of 45 years, Eileen, but returned to Ireland annually to tour the concert circuit as the King of Irish humour.
	Grace, Chris		Vocals	Donie Collins Band, Raindrops Showband (Chris sadly passed away in August, 2010 - John Conneely and Maria Butler)
	Graham, Austin	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Guitar/Vocals and Bass	Donie Collins Orchestra and Showband (Austin sadly passed away on October 12th, 2018) Austin started singing in the late 1950's around his native Limerick and joined the Donie Collins Orchestra in 1958. He would continue to be the voice of the band for nearly two decades. He would eventually sing on the local scene with bands Take Five and the Odd Couple.
	Graham, Ernie*		Guitar/Vocals	Telstars, The People, Eire Apparent (sadly passed away in 2001 - M.Niblett)
	Greenwood. Brian	Larne, Co. Antrim	Keyboards	Sunshine (Bryan was sadly killed in an airplane crash on April 19th, 2018 He had been a photographer for many years. - Caroline Hunter)
	Greer,  Robin	Moneymore, Co. Derry	Unknown	Snowdrifters Showband (Robin sadly passed away on the 15th of September, 2022 - Derrynow website)
	Griffin Liam		Drums	Johnny Quigley All Stars (Liam sadly passed away on the 26th of February, 1992 - Philip Walker)
	Gunner, Jim	Wexford, Co. Wexford	Guitar	Dave Glover Showband, Swingtime Aces (a.k.a. George Hesse - sadly passed away)
	Hackett, Joe	Longford, Co. Longford	Drums	Hi-Lows (sadly passed away -Sharon Tighe Mooney)
	Hafford, Tommy		Trumpet	Mick Delahunty Band (sadly passed away in May, 2002)
	Halferty, Jimmy	Lavey, Co. Derry	Trombone/ Guitar	Green Angels, Swingtime Aces (Jimmy's Granddaughter, Claire McLaughlin, wrote to tell us Jimmy sadly passed away April 9, 1991)
	Hamilton, Harry "Trixie"	Lurgan, Co. Antrim	Bass	Fred Hanna, Dave Glover, Johnny Quigley, Witnesses (sadly passed away on July 25th, 2022) aged 90.
	Hamilton, Sean*	Omagh, Co. Tyrone	Bass	Plattermen (sadly passed away on July 19, 2003)
	Hand, Jim	Drogheda, Co. Louth	Manager	Capitol Showband, Dermot O'Brien and the Clubmen, Cahir O'Doherty and the Dazzle Band, Fureys. (sadly passed away June 16, 1975) Jim, died aged 64 following a long illness, was the guiding light behind many of the country's best known entertainers. He managed the Dubliners, the Capitol Showband and the Fureys. Originally from Drogheda, he was a twin brother of the late Sunday Independent editor Michael Hand.
	Hannon, Frankie	Tuam, Co. Galway	Drums	Johnny Flynn Showband (sadly passed away June 16, 1975)
	Hanrahan Paddy	Kilkenny,  Co. Kilkenny	Vocals	Black Aces Showband, Nomads Showband (sadly passed away October 28th, 2020 - Richard Walsh)
	Hanrahan Paddy	Longford,  Co. Longford	Vocals	Sahara Showband, Oklahoma (sadly passed away March 28th, 2019- J Harrold & G. O'Hara)
	Hanratty John	Walterstown, Co. Louth	Sax	George Duffy Orchestra (sadly passed away - Tom McCaffrey)
	Hardy, John	Raheny, Co. Dublin	Keyboards	Blue Clavons, Crickets Showband (John sadly passed away aged 87 on 28th July, 2011 - Vyra Hardy)
	Harkin, Brian	Derry, Co. Derry	Vocals	Mighty Avons, The Plainsmen, Brian Harkin Band (Brian sadly passed away on January 28, 1991 after a short illness he was only 47)
	Harper, Kevin		Sax	Avonairs Showband (Kevin sadly passed away - Liam O'Reilly)
	Harrington, John	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Unknown	We Four (John sadly passed away 1st March, 2013)
	Harrington, Robert	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Irish Travellers (Robert sadly passed away-Tom Greeley)
	Harrison, William	Derry, Co. Derry	Unknown	Statesiders Showband (William was sadly killed in an auto accident on the way home from a gig on November 21, 1964 with four other members of the band. The Statesiders band was devastated and never reformed-John Baird)
	Haussmann, Benno*	Cork, Co. Cork	Drums	Regal Showband, Arrivals Showband (Benno was tragically killed in a boating accident in June, 1990)
	Haverty, Pascal	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Sax	Virginians, Billy Brown Superband, Chessmen (Pascal sadly passed away March 14, 2008)
	Hayden, Tommy	London, England	Sax/Manager	Nevada Showband (Tommy sadly passed away April 20, 2013) A founding member of the famous Nevada Showband, Tommy played sax with the band until 1967 when he moved into management. He soon became one of the most successful managers in the country and started the careers of many in the business included Louis Walsh. Tommy Hayden Enterprises (THE) guided the careers of many of Ireland's best known artists and was a driving force behind the success of the showband era.
	Hayes, Dick	Waterford, Co. Waterford	Vocals	Decca Showband (Dick sadly passed away December 26th, 2019 aged 74) Dick started his singing career in the early 1960's in England but returned to Waterford to join the Decca Showband in 1965. He would remain their lead singer until they folded in 1969 but would join with his wife Nancy as a cabaret act which would eventually include Dick and former bandmates Mick Casey and Vic Bible. He would perform with the band around Waterford until his death.
	Hayes, Gerry		Unknown	Melochords Showband, The Cadets (Gerry sadly passed away in 4004 - Eileen Martin - his sister)
	Healy, John*		Trumpet	Savoy Swing Seven (John sadly passed away)
	Henchel, Horst*	Germany	Sax	Odeon Showband, Mick Delahunty Orchestra (Horst sadly passed away)
	Henry, Maurice*	Ballymena Co. Antrim	Sax	Freshmen (sadly passed away July 23, 2019)
	Higgins, Francie*	Tuam, Co. Galway	Sax	Swingtime Aces, Raindrops. Big Time Showband (sadly passed away)
	Higgins, Gerry	Co. Dublin	Vocals	Deep Set, Creoles, Chimes, Caroline Crew (passed away in 2002)
	Hopkins, Billy	Bray, Co. Wicklow	Bass	Prince Vince and the Kings Showband, Royal Showband, Airchords, Cluskey/Hopkins Jass Band (Billy sadly passed away 16th Feb, 2010-Des Hopkins, he was 62)
	Hutchinson, Brendan*	Omagh, Co. Tyrone	Vocals	Navak Showband, Lightning Express (Brendan, Shay's brother, sadly passed away - John Baird)
	Hutchinson, Shay*	Omagh, Co. Tyrone	Vocals	Melody Aces (Shay sadly passed away January 17, 2004)
	Inglesby, Gene	Trim, Co. Meath	Banjo/Guitar	Cotton Mill Boys, Nevada (Gene sadly passed away January 4, 1990)
	Irvine, George	Derry, Co. Derry	Vocals	Hawgs Showband, SOS, Friends Showband (George passed away in 2001, aged 48-Leslie Thompson)
	Irvine, Robin	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Bass	Trenniers, Chips, Bananas (Robin passed away August 21, 2022 - Bill Morrison)
	Isdell, Fred*	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Bass	Dominoes, The Group (passed away in 2004)
	Ivory, Liam	Fern, Co. Wexford	Accordion	Bandits Showband (Liam sadly passed away March 25th, 1988)
	Ivory, Tom*	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Manager	Olympic Ballroom, Dublin (sold the ballroom in 1972) (passed away in 1983) Tom purchase the ballroom in the late 1940's after the roof had collapsed under a fall of snow. Ho owned the landmark ballroom until 1972. It is now a block of apartments/office space. Our thanks to Tom Ivory Jr. for the info about his Dad.
	Jack, Cecil	Ballymagory Strabane, Co. Tyrone	Vocals and Guitar	Enabarts (Cecil sadly passed away around 2008 or 9- Peter Gray)
	Jameson, Brendan	Wicklow, Co. Wicklow	Bass	Cotton Mill Boys, Thatch (Brendan sadly passed away June 26th, 2014 - Michael Timmons)
	Johnson, Martin	Dundalk, Co. Louth	Guitar	Smokey Mountain Ramblers, Rocky Tops, Cotton Mill Boys (Martin sadly passed away in October, 2002- Al Owens) Martin moved to the UK in the mid 70's where met Roscommon drummer, Al Owens and formed Stagecoach with Billy Finnegan in 1979. Three years later Billy moved to Co. Armagh and started a new band and within a short time, Martin joined the band which they also called Stagecoach. After that Martin did solo and duo gigs around Dundalk but sadly passed away in October 2002. Our thanks to Al for the update.
	Johnston, Jimmy	Larne, Co. Antrim	Trombone	Jimmy Johnston Showband (Jimmy sadly passed July 14th, 2016 - aged 77)
	Johnstone, Billy	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Vocals	Oceans Showband (Billy sadly passed away in the mid 2000's-Eric Stephenson)
	Jones, Sandie	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Royal Earls, Dixies, Boyfriends, Jones Gang (sadly passed away on September 19th, 2019) Sandie started her career in 1968 with the Royal Earls. A few years later in 1972, she was drafted to join the depleted Dixies line-up and at the same time won the Irish National Song Contest, representing Ireland in Eurovision with Ceol An Ghra. She would eventually form her own bands, including the Boyfriends and the Jones Gang. She would leave the showband scene in 1983 and emigrate eventually to the United States where she remained until her sad passing.
	Joys, Derek*		Vocals	Derek Joys Bandshow (sadly passed away in October 1997)
	Kane, Ricky	Tuam, Co. Galway	Vocals	Olly Maloney Showband (Ricky sadly passed away in March, 2006)
	Kealey, Colm The poem at right was written by Colm's brother Patrick.		Drums	Ramblin Men, Buckaroos, Polka Dots (Colm sadly passed away on January 7, 2004) For many years he played with bands all based around Omagh Town: Brian’s Buckaroos’, the ‘Rambling Men’ with Philomena’s Crown Then Declan Nerney, Eileen King and ‘Margo’ Donegal With Johnny Loughrey bowing out he took his ‘curtain call’. If there’s showband souls in heaven rest assured you’ll find him there. With a snare drum and a pair of sticks, some cymbals and a chair. To practice as he started out some forty years ago. At the ‘pie’ shop in Dungiven, ‘tween Benbradagh and the Roe.
	Keane, Danny		Sax	Maurice Mulcahy, Cajun Sound (sadly passed away a few years ago- Michael Mulcahy)
	Keane, Mike		Guitar/Steel	Conquerors, Country Folk (sadly passed away a few years ago)
	Kearney, Dave	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Guitar	The Movement, Smokey Mountain Ramblers, Sandie Jones Band ( sadly passed away in Canada on Jan. 14, 2010-Francie Lenehan) Having started on the beat scene in Dublin with The Movement, Dave went country in the late sixties when he joined the original Smokey Mountain Ramblers, one of the first successful country outfits in Ireland. He would later join the Sandie Jones band before emigrating to Canada around 1980.
	Keating Robert (Bertie)	Ballyporeen, Co. Tipperary	Drums	Cymbals Showband (sadly passed away in in January, 2004 - daughter Natasha) Having started his career in Ireland, Bertie eventually emigrated to England where he lived and played in various bands around the London area for most of his life. More to come.
	Keeney, Conal Hugh	Letterkenny, Co. Donegal	Manager	Fiesta Ballroom, Letterkenny and Denver Ballroom, Rathmullan, Co. Donegal (Conal sadly passed away 19th January, 2012)
	Kelly, Billy*		Trumpet	Swingtime Aces Showband, Johnny Flynn Showband (Billy was killed in a car accident-John Baird)
	Kelly, Bobby	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Hootenannys, Greenbeats, Chosen Few, Sands, Stepaside, Redneck Friends (Bobby sadly passed away Sept 5th, 2019 after a lengthy illness). Bobby's career spanned over 50 years playing with the Greenbeats, Chosen Few, Sands Showband, Stepaside, and Chris Meehan's Redneck Friends. In the 1990 and 2000's he played with Francie Lenehan around the northwest and finally retired in 2018. He moved from Dublin to Strandhill, Co. Sligo in the late 1990's where he remained until his passing. Goodbye old friend!
	Kelly, Ciaran	Athlone, Co. Westmeath	Accordion	Ciaran Kelly Sound (Grandfather of Keith and Lorraine McDonald, he sadly passed away in 2007) Ciaran had his own band in the Midlands for many years and it was with Ciaran that Brendan Shine got his start back in the late 1960's before becoming a superstar in his own right. Our thanks to Annette Kelly for the photo.
	Kelly, Danny	Tuam, Co. Galway	Piano	Johnny Flynn Dance Band (Father of Danny Kelly, Jr.) (Sadly passed away)
	Kelly, Danny Jr.	Tuam, Co. Galway	Trombone	Johnny Flynn Dance Band (Danny sadly passed away October 13th, 2019 - Andy Newman)
	Kelly, John*	Turloughmore, Co. Galway	Drums	Capitol Showband (Brother of Des Kelly) (Sadly passed away October 25, 1987) Along with brother, Des, John was a founder member of the Capitol Showband.
	Kelly, Des	Turloughmore, Co. Galway	Bass	Capitol Showband (Brother of John Kelly) (Sadly passed away April 1, 2017) Along with brother, Des, John was a founder member of the Capitol Showband. He also went on to manage artists like Planxty, Sweeney's Men and the Smokey Mtn Ramblers.
	Kelly, Luke	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Banjo/Vocals	Dubliners, Solo (Luke sadly passed away January 30th, 1984) Founder member of the Dubliners, Luke spent a total of 15 years with the band, as well as trying a solo career in 1964. He suffered two brain tumours, which although were successfully removed, contributed to his early death at age 43.
	Kelly, Michael	Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo	Guitar	Jack Ruane Band, Margo (Sadly passed away 13th May, 2013 - Bernard Joyce)
	Kenealy, Louis	Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny	Unknown	5th Degree (Sadly passed away 12th Sept, 1993-Maura Kenealy)
	Kennedy, Michael*	Arklow, Co. Wicklow	Guitar	Homers Knods (Liam O'Reilly tells us Michael sadly passed away at a very young age) Michael was a singer-guitarist with the 60's folk group, Homers Knods from Arklow. He sadly passed away at a very young age while the band was still on the road.
	Kennedy, Paddy	Galway, Co. Galway	Manager	Regal Showband (Pat Schan wrote to tell us Paddy sadly passed away in 2003) Paddy left show business and emigrated to England in 1967. He worked in Africa for many years in the telecom industry before retiring back to Galway in the 80's. He moved back to England in the 90's and passed away in 2003 in Hove, East Sussex.
	Kennedy, Ronnie	Ballyfermot, Co. Dublin	Keyboards	Hoot'nannys, Lions, Johnny McEvoy, Daniel O'Donnell (Ronnie sadly passed away 17th Sept, 2021)
	Kenny, Derek	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Bass	Tomorrow's People, Galaxy Band (Derek sadly passed after a short battle with cancer in March, 2007 - from Danny Carthy)
	Kenny, Paul		Drums	Cotton Mill Boys (Paul sadly passed away while still playing with the Cotton Mill Boys in the early 70's).
	Kenny, Sean	Boyle, Co. Roscommon	Guitar	Hi-Lows, Jivenaires, Times, Swarbriggs Band, Dingaling (Sean sadly passed away 9th Feb, 2011)
	Kenrick, Billy	Fethard, Co. Tipperary	Keyboards	Mick Delahunty Orchestra (Billy sadly passed away in 1973). After Billy and Mick Delahunty retired from the band scene, they used to play regularly in a local pub and proved very popular with former fans of the band - from Brian Kenrick-Billy's son.
	Kerins, Aidan	Strandhill, Co. Sligo	Bass	Stylos Showband, Tom Kelley Sound, Fairways Aidan sadly passed 3rd January, 2024) Aidan played in the late 60s and eaerly 70s with the Stylos in Sligo, as well as Ballina's Ton Kelly Sound and Fairways showbands before taking up a career in the automotive industry. He played locally with bands up until his death, the most recent being the Quay Street Band in Sligo.
	Kernan, Thomas	Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan	Guitar	Country Gifts, Big Tom and the Travellers Thomas sadly passed away January 25th, 2020) Thomas played with both Country Gifts and the Travellers in the late 1970's and early 1980's. We don't know what other bands he might have played during his showband days.
	Kerr, John*	Fanad, Co. Donegal	Vocals/ Promoter	Classic Dance Band, One of Ireland's best loved ballad singers (John McGrenra wrote to tell us John sadly passed away April 25, 2006) As well as a long career as one of County Donegal's best loved balladeers, John also ran the Mulroy Ballroom in Kerrykeel. His long recording career was documented on many albums, singles and CD's. He will be missed.
	Kettles, Cecil*	Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh	Keyboards	Skyrockets Showband (sadly passed away June 20, 2000)
	King, Sharon (aka Collette O'Hanlon)	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Cotton Mill Boys, Xeres (Sharon sadly passed away March 31st, 2019 suddenly)
	Kinsella, Tommy	Bray, Co. Wicklow	Bass	Beavers, Orange Machine, Cotton Mill Boys, Buckshot (Tommy sadly passed away November 28th, 2023.) Tommy started his career on the group scene in Dublin playing with the Orange Machine and then moving on (as many did) to the showband scene with the Cotton Mill Boys in 1969. He would then help form Buckshot in 1972. and retired from the showband scene around 1975.
	Kitteringham Eric	Cork, Co. Cork	Bass	Taste, Gaslight (Eric sadly passed away in May, 2013 aged 66)
	Knowles, Sonny	Liberties, Dublin	Sax/Vocals	Johnny Butler, Earl Gill, Pacific, Clubmen, Solo (Sonny sadly passed away November 15th, 2018 at the age of 86)
	Krzyzanowski, Thad		Guitar	Real Country, Bluegrass Roadshow (We understand Thad was killed in an airplane crash in the 1970's. Thad was the brother of Smokey's fiddler George Kaye.)
	Kyle, Bobby		Manager	Cossacks Showband (Bobby sadly passed away in March, 2005)
	Laird, Davey		Trumpet	Marines Showband (sadly passed away)
	Lamont, Tommy		Guitar	Cossacks Showband (passed away in 2003)
	Landy, Paddy	Skerries, Co. Dublin	Drums	Tony & The Graduates (Paddy sadly passed away on June 29th, 2006 - Eoghan Hickey)
	Lawlor, Peter	Nass, Co. Duiblin	Vocals	Pacific Showband (Peter sadly passed away on October 2nd, 2017. He was 72.)
	Lawlor, Willie		Guitar	Quartermasters, Echos Showband (Willie sadly passed away - Liam O'Reilly)
	Lee, Connie	Granard, Co. Longford	Vocals	Lee and Quo (Connie sadly passed away in December, 2002)
	Lee, Eamonn	Arklow, Co. Wicklow	Guitar	Red Seven Showband, Avonairs Showband, Swingin' Sailors (Eamonn sadly passed away the first week in March, 2006 our thanks to Liam O'Reilly for passing the info along to us)
	Lehane, John		Sax	Impact Showband  (John sadly passed away some time ago)
	Leydon, Dee (Damien)	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Vocals	Powermen Showband  (Dee sadly passed away May 22, 2019)
	Logue, Terry		Sax	Clipper Carlton (Terry sadly passed away)
	Long, Daniel "Don"	Cork, Co. Cork	Trombone	Capitol Showband, Donie Collins Band (Don sadly passed away October 29, 2007 in Chesire, England where he had lived since 1969). After leaving the Capitol in 1969, Don emigrated to Manchester where he continued to play trombone in a variety of jazz bands until his death. He was 69 and was stricken with cancer a year before he died. He will be sadly missed by his showband era colleagues and family and friends in Ireland.
	Long, Jim	Cookstown, Co. Tyrone		Colours Showband (Jim sadly passed away)
	Loughman, Pat	Raheny, Co. Dublin	Trombone	Capitol Showband  (Pat sadly passed away April 21, 2011 in Dublin). An original member of the famous Capitol Showband, Pat gave up the showband scene in the early 60's, but never stopped performing. Over the years, he played with The Dublin City Concert Band as well as the Communications Worker's Band and was active on the music scene up until the time of his death.
	Loughman, Tony	Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan	Manager	Paddy Cole Superstars / Eileen King's Country Gifts Patrice & Stage Five / Philomena Begley & her Ramblin' Men Susan McCann & the Storytellers / Shelly & The Big Valley Anne, Shelly & The Marines / Big Ivan & The New County Sharon & Green Forest (Sadly, Tony passed away June 1, 2007) One of the true movers and shakers of the band scene in the 70's and 80's Tony was one of the guiding lights behind the Irish Country music success which followed the showbands.
	Loughrey, Willie	Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone	Vocals	Playboys, Plattermen (Willie, aka Rock Stewart sadly passed away May 17th, 2022).
	Lucey, Sean	Cork, Co. Cork	Sax	Dixies (Sean sadly passed away in July 28th, 2021)
	Lucy, Murt	Cork, Co. Cork	Manager	Arrivals & several ballrooms (Murt sadly passed away in April, 1971 at the age of 47) Murt was one of the early pioneers of the showband scene in his native Cork. Along with brother, Jerry, he owned the Stardust Ballroom in Cork, the Majorca in Crosshaven, the Redbarn in Youghal. In 1963 he was a co-founder of Spotlight Magazine with John Coughlan which became the bible of the Irish entertainment scene for nearly two decades.
	Lundy, Tommy*	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Tony Kenny Band, The Crack (Tommy sadly passed away in October, 2003 - our thanks to Maria Lundy)
	Luney, Lindsay	Carrickfergus Co. Antrim	Drums	College Boys, Freshmen (Lindsay sadly passed away January 9, 2024 - our thanks to Pat McCollum)
	Lynam, Johnny	Moate, Co. Westmeath	Bass	Ray Lynam and the Hillbillies (Johnny sadly passed away on 21st of August, 2007 after a long illness).
	Lynch, Anne	Pomeroy, Co. Tyrone	Vocals	New Tall Men, Swinging Marines, Anne, Shelley and the Marines (Anne sadly passed away November 28th, 2023) Along with sister Jan (aka Shelly) Anne was one of the singing powerhouses of the Top Rank Organisation on the 1970s country scene especially in the north but also across the country.
	Lynch, David*	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Keyboards	Cotton Mill Boys (David sadly passed away)
	Lynch, Kevin	Bantry, Co. Cork	Sax	Regal Showband (Jim Cotter tells us Kevin sadly passed away on February 15th, 1999.
	Lynch, Maurice			Maurice Lynch Big Band (passed away September 3, 1987)
	Lynch, Pat	Cork Co. Cork	Vocals	Clipper Carlton, Airchords, Tree Tops (Pat sadly passed away January 26th, 2018) Pat started his career singing at the Palm Court Ballroom in Cork and in 1964 joined the Clipper Carlton shortly before becoming lead singer withn the Airchords until they broke up in 1973. He remained in Cork, teaching at the IT there and occasionally making guest appearances at concerts and variety shows.
	Lynch, Pete*		Vocals	Newline Showband (brother of Maurice Lynch sadly passed away)
	Lynch, Phillip	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Drums	Dee Leydon & the Powermen (Phillip sadly passed away age 53 in Thailand in October 2008 from pneumonia)
	Lynch, Steve	Cork, Co. Cork	Guitar	Dixielanders and Dixies Showband (Steve sadly passed away in Cork on July 12, 2016.)
	Lynch, Tony	Cork, Co. Cork	Guitar	Hoedowners, AIrchords (Tony sadly passed away in Cork on February 14, 2023.)
	Lynott, Michael (aka Dick)	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Drums	Kim Newport Band, Quarrymen (Michael sadly passed away February 13th, 2018)
	Lynott, Phil*	Crumlin, Co. Dublin	Vocals/Bass	Skid Row, Orphanage, Thin Lizzy (Phil, one of Ireland's greatest rockers, passed away Jan. 4, 1986)
	Lyttle, Paul	Bangor, Co. Down	Guitar/Keys	Chips, Lyttle People, Tequila Sunrise (Paul sadly passed away aftyer a short illness May 13, 2023. For more info about Paul and his career follow the links above to Chips and Lyttle People.
	Madden, Arthur*		Keyboards	Airchords, Royal, Red Hurley Band (Arthur sadly passed away in 1988)
	Magee, Jimmy	Irvinestown Fermanagh	Vocals	Claxton Showband (Jimmy sadly passed away on November 23, 2014)
	Magee, Seamus	Gweedore Co. Donegal	Vocals	Nashville Showband (Seamus sadly passed away on January 10th, 2024) Seamus debuted with the former Assaroe Ceili Band (then renamed named the Nashville Showband) in 1969. The band did well in and around Donegal. Seamus would eventually retired from the ballroom circuit and formed a local group named Wild Breed. Like many showband musicians he became a guiding light for younger musicians in and around his native Gweedore for the next half century.
	Maguire, Noel*		Sax	Echos Showband (Noel sadly passed away - Liam O'Reilly) Noel played sax with the Echos and was also the leader of the band
	Maher, Eddie	Drogheda, Co. Louth	Drums	Maher Family, Rockets (Eddie Maher, former drummer with the Maher Family and with the Rockets, passed away suddenly in Drogheda on 23rd March, 2009.) The Maher family came to fame when they were winners on Hughie Green's Opportunity Knocks. Eddie played drums with his brother Dave in the Rockets. He was the son of former Champion handballer Joey Maher. His three brothers, Michael, Dave and Robbie and sister Linda were all involved in the music business.
	Mahon, Sean	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Trombone	John Mitchell Showband, Freshmen (Sean sadly passed away May 29th, 2009) Sean was a founding member of the Freshmen in the early sixties and remained one of only two members (along with Tory McGahey) that remained with the band from the start until 1974. Although Billy Brown and Derek Dean were with the band longer, Billy left in the early 70's to form his own bands before returning, while Derek didn't join until 1964..
	Mahood, Sam	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Vocals	Soul Foundation (Sam sadly passed away - from George Porter)
	Maitland, Danny	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Guitar/Vocals	Matadors Showband (Danny sadly passed away Jan. 4, 1978)
	Maitland, Walter	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Drums	Witnesses Showband (Walter sadly passed away Aug. 26, 2002)
	Makem, Tommy	Keady, Co. Armagh	Guitar and Vocals	Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem, Makem and Clancy, Solo career. (Tommy sadly passed away on August 1, 2007 of lung cancer at age 74)
	Mallett, Bill	Waterside, Co. Derry	Unknown	Statesiders Showband (Bill was sadly one of four Mallett brothers killed in an auto  accident on the way home from a gig on November 21, 1964. The Statesiders band was devastated and never reformed-John Baird)
	Mallett, James	Waterside, Co. Derry	Unknown	Statesiders Showband (James was sadly one of four Mallett brothers killed in an auto  accident on the way home from a gig on November 21, 1964. The Statesiders band was devastated and never reformed-John Baird)
	Mallett, Jerry	Waterside, Co. Derry	Unknown	Statesiders Showband (Jerry was sadly one of four Mallett brothers killed in an auto  accident on the way home from a gig on November 21, 1964. The Statesiders band was devastated and never reformed-John Baird)
	Malone, Jim	Ranelagh, Co. Dublin	Sax	Margo and Co, Trixons, Jim Farley Band (Breda Lalanne emailed us to say Jim sadly passed away some time ago and our thanks to Brian Wynne for info on Jim as well)
	Maloney, Jarlath	Tuam, Co. Galway	Trombone	Pete Brown's Band of Renown, Olly Maloney Showband (Jarlath sadly passed away on the 24th June, 2011)
	Maloney, Olly	Tuam, Co. Galway	Trumpet	Olly Maloney Showband, Johnny Flynn Showband, Ohio Showband (Olly sadly passed away)
	Martin, Freddie*		Trumpet	Pacific Showband (Freddie sadly passed away in 2005 from bone cancer-Dave Foran)
	Massey, Danny	Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick	Trumpet/Vcls	Donie Collins Showband (Danny sadly passed away Jan 28, 1987 - our thanks to Anne McSharry, his daughter)
	Massey, Ray	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Unknown	Monarchs Showband (Ray sadly passed away Feb 22, 1981 - our thanks to Sharon Walker, his daughter)
	McBride, Big Tom	Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan	Vocals, Guitar	Mainliners, Travellers (Tom started his career in 1963 with the Mighty Mainliners and was soon one of the top country stars in Ireland. His first hit record was Gentle Mother in 1967 followed by many more over the next two decades. He sadly passed away April 17th, 2018 at age 81.
	McBride, Ivan	Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh	Sax	Trenniers, Skyrockets Showband (Ivan emigrated to Tasmania where he lived for 30 years before his death 10th Nov, 2012 - From Alec McKeown)
	McCafferty, John	Stranorlar, Co. Donegal	Keyboards	Mighty Avons, Homesteaders (John sadly passed away on 26th July, 2016 - Rita McGinty)
	McCaffrey, Leo	Ballymena, Co. Antrim	Vocals/ Manager	Leo McCaffrey & The Glensmen (Leo sadly passed away in early April, 2003)
	McCaffrey, Michael	Creeslough, Co. Donegal	Manager	Creeslough Hall, Co. Donegal (Michael sadly passed away on December 7, 2005)
	McCann, Pat	Finglas, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Crickets Showband (Pat sadly passed away on April 7th, 2015)
	McCann, Pio	Omagh, Co. Tyrone	Bass	Claxton, Buckeroos, Tall Men, Polka Dots (Pio sadly passed away on October 9th, 2020) Pio started his showband career in 1961 as a member of the Claxton Showband. In later years he would become one of the most sought after bass players for country music spending time with The Polka Dots, Brian Coll's Buckeroos and Hugo Duncan's Tall Men. In more recent years he was a very popular presenter on Highland Radio and continued to be a major influence on the country music scene in Ireland.
	McCarthy, Bram	Cork, Co. Cork	Trumpet	Capitol Showband (passed away October 28, 1987)
	McCaul, Gerry	Clones, Co. Monaghan	Keyboards	Shelley and Startime (Gerry sadly passed away on January 22nd, 2014 aged 59)
	McConville, Ivan	Rathfriland, Co. Down	Vocals	(A.K.A. Big Ivan) Big Ivan Band, Big Ivan & Lightning Express (sadly killed in a car accident in 1979) Our thanks to Ivan's former band mate, Mike Niblett for the info.
	McCormack, Dave	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Trumpet	Monarchs, Parkway Orchestra, Berwyn Showband (Dave sadly passed away June, 2010 - from his daughter, Deirdre)
	McCormack, Derek		Vocals	Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen, The Barleycorn, The Furey Brothers (Derek sadly passed away Jan, 2004)
	McCormick, John	Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan	Manager	Big Tom & The Mainliners, Gerry Black & The Seasons (John sadly passed away in 1998)
	McCormick, John	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Keyboards	Teddie Palmer & The Rumble Band, Spring (John was sadly killed while mountaineering in India in 1977 - from Pete McCormick, his nephew)
	McCormick, Sean	Cootehill, Co. Cavan	Bass, Drums	Silver Pennies, American Pie (Sean sadly passed away February 7, 1999 in a car crash- from his wife, Tina Kavanagh)
	McCoy, Brian	Caledon, Co. Tyrone	Trumpet	Miami Showband (killed by terrorists on July 31, 1975)
	McCracken, John*	Buncrana, Co. Donegal	Manager	Mighty Rhythm Boys (John sadly passed away -John Baird)
	McCrudden, Gerry	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Bass	Grenadiers Showband (Gerry sadly passed away Feb 17, 2006 - daughter-Paula Beattie) A founder member of the Grenadiers, he continued to play with the band until they stopped touring. He continued to perform in clubs around Belfast, right up until the time of his death.
	McCrudden, Ned		Keyboards	Witnesses Showband (Ned sadly passed away Jan 16, 2009 - from Bobby Forsythe)
	McCullough, Henry	Portstewart, Co. Antrim	Guitar	Skyrockets, Gene and the Gents (Sadly passed away June 14, 2016) After playing on the showband scene, Henry went on to play with Joe Cocker's Grease band, Paul McCartney's Wings, Roy Harper, Marianne Faithful, Ronnie Lane, Donovan, Frankie Miller, Eric Burdon, Viola Wills and Spooky Tooth as well as his own groups.
	McCusker Vincent	Armagh, Co. Armagh	Fiddle	McCuskers Ceili Band (Vincent sadly passed away in November, 1970)
	McDaniel, Maisie	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Vocals	Nevada, Fendermen, Nashville Ramblers, Maisie & Fintan (Maisie sadly passed away suddenly on the 28th June, 2008 at her home in Sligo) Maisie enjoyed a very successful solo career before being asked to join the Nevada, but she would never perform with the band as she was injured in a car accident before their first gig. She would also front her own Fendermen, as well as the Nashville Ramblers. She often appeared with husband Fintan Stanley in cabaret.  She made a brief comeback on the scene in the 1980's but had been retired from performing for many years.
	McDonagh, Angela	Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon	Vocals	Johhny Flynn (sadly passed away in Perth, Western Australia Sept 2021-T. Lundy)
	McDonagh, Tommy	Ballina, Co. Mayo	Guitar	Jack Ruane Band, Times Showband of Sligo and the Fairways (Padraig Moran tells us Tommy sadly passed away the 18th of January, 2015.)
	McDonald, Pat		Manager	Ian Corrigan and Country Style (Anthony Loughman writes to tell us Pat, who worked with Anthony's Dad Tony, for over 30 years sadly passed away 28th Aug, 2009)
	McDonald, Patsy	Cookstown, Co. Tyrone	Keyboards	Malachy Doris Trio (Jonathan Byard writes to tell us Patsy sadly passed away on 16th January, 2010)
	McDonnell, Ciaran	Strabane, Co. Tyrone	Keyboards	Joe Dolan and the Drifters (left the ban d in 1970 to become a priest and sadly passed away May 12th, 2012.
	McElhinney, Paddy*		Trumpet	Mighty Rhythm Boys (Paddy sadly passed away -John Baird)
	McEnhill, Brendan	Donegal	Sax	Kings Showband (sadly passed away Oct 2020 - T. Lundy)
	McErlean, Eoin	Portglenone, Co. Antrim	Manager	Oliver Plunkett Hall, Portglenone, Co. Derry (Eoin's son, Philip, writes to tell us his father, who managed the hall in the 50's and 60's, sadly passed away 14th Dec, 2003) Eoin was an original trustee of the Hall when it opened in 1954 and booked the bands for much of the 50's and 60's until it was turned over to the local GAA club.
	McEvoy, Bertie		Sax	Stan Lynn Showband, Silhouettes (Ray, his son, wrote to tell us Bertie sadly passed away in December, 2003)
	McGandy, Brian*	Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh	Sax	Skyrockets Showband (Brian sadly passed away a few years ago)
	McGann, Danny	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Keyboards	Tracy and the Grassroots (John Harrold writes to tell us Danny sadly passed away on May 22, 2020)
	McGarr, Pat	Naas, Co. Kildare	Accordion	Gallowglass Ceili Band (Dennis Morrison writes to tell us Pat sadly passed away In March, 2005)
	McGlynn, Arty	Omagh, Co. Tyrone	Guitar	Plattermen, Buckaroos, Planxty (sadly passed away on December 18th, 2019 aged 75)
	McGonigle, Pat*	Newton, Co. Tyrone	Trombone	Melody Aces Showband (sadly passed away in April, 2005)
	McGowan, Gary	Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh	Drums	Cecil Kettyles, Dave Dixon, Skyrockets (Alec McKeown wrote to tell us Gary passed away 14th April, 2012)
	McGrail, Stephen	Dowra, Co. Leitrim	Manager	Gaydons (Steven's daughter, Sharon recently contacted us to let us know the sad news that he passed away on the 5th October, 2010.)
	McGuigan, Pat* (aka Pat McGeegan)	Clones, Co. Monaghan	Vocals/Gtr	Dave Dixon Orchestra, Skyrockets Showband, The Victors, Big Four (aka Pat McGeegan - passed away 6/27/1987) Pat was Ireland's 4th representative at Eurovision, singing his way to a fourth place finish with the song, "Once In A Lifetime," in 1968. After getting his start with Dave Dixon's band, he eventually formed The Big Four and played mostly cabaret for the next twenty years.
	McHale, Dave	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Sax, Keyboards	Sandie Jones & the Boyfrields, Stagalee, Boomtown Rats (We're told by Bobby Kelly that Dave sadly passed away in May, 2009)
	McHugh, Harry		Unknown	Everglades Showband (Harry sadly passed away in 1995-his daughter)
	McIlduff, Gerry*	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Drums	Green Angels, High Seas, Jimmy Johnston Showband, Plattermen, Katmandu, Pretenders, Nipple Erectors (Gerry sadly passed away in 2005)
	McKeown, Des*	Co. Fermanagh	Guitar/Vocals	Skyrockets Showband (Des sadly passed away in 1985) Des was the lead singer with the Skyrockets from 1963 through 1966. He left the band to return to civilian life as a technician. He sadly passed away in 1985 at the young age of 45.
	McKevitt, Cyril	Co. Monaghan	Trombone	Mainliners (Cyril sadly passed away suddenly 15th Sept, 2009 aged 69 - John McGrenra) Cyril was an original member of the Mainliners Showband and played trombone with the band for almost 50 years with a couple of breaks in between. The band had just finished its 2009 tour on the Sunday and Cyril passed away 2 days later.
	McIntyre, Frank	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Sax/Clarinet	Pete Stuart Orchestra, Mick Cummins Orchestra, Embassy Band (Frank sadly passed away April 14, 2001 - Ursula McIntyre) Frank's wife, Ursula, wrote to tell us Frank lived and worked for many years in Germany until his retirement in 1995. He also spent a short time in the States before returning to Ireland in the late nineties. He and Ursula were married in 1989.
	McIntyre, Joe*	Derry, Co. Derry	Trumpet	Express Showband, Jim Farley Band Show (passed away June 13, 1981)
	McKeag, Oliver	Lurgan, Co. Armagh	Keyboards	Kerry Blues (We received news from Oliver's son, Kevin that he sadly passed away in October, 2014. )
	McKernin, Tommy	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Drums	Teddie and the Tigers, Signs (Tommy's daughter, Courtney McKernin, emailed us in October, 2008 to let us know that Tommy sadly passed away in 1999. He moved to Canada in 1972 when he was a member of the Signs and was last in Belfast in 1998, just a year before he passed away.)
	McKinney, Wills*		Bass	College Boys (Teddie Palmer reports Wills was sadly killed in car accident in 2000)
	McLaughlin, Billy		Drums	Jimmy Johnston Showband (Billy sadly passed away June 21sy, 2021-Kevin Madden)
	McLaughlin, Danny*		Sax	Mighty Rhythm Boys (Danny sadly passed away -John Baird)
	McLean, Gerry*		Trumpet	Green Angels, Walter Lewis Enterprise Showband (Gerry sadly passed away)
	McLean, Hugh	Letterkenny Co. Donegal	Vocals/Guitar	Blue Glows, Envoys, Mighty Avons, Knoxville (Hugh sadly passed away on the 29th January, 2024) Hugh started his career in the mid-1960s as a member of the Eamon Ponsonby Blues Glows showband in Donegal. He soon joined Evelyn and the Envoys in 1972. In 1974 Hugh hit the big time when he was drafted along into the Mighty Avons. Hugh would continue entertaining folks locally. Our sincere sympathies are extended to his family, friends and fans.
	McLean, Kevin*		Drums	Walter Lewis Enterprise Showband (Kevin sadly passed away)
	McLoughlin, John	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Bass	Times Showband-Sligo (sadly died in a boating accident in the 1980's)
	McMahon, Seamus	Monaghan	Guitar	Mainliners Showband (sadly passed away June 26th, 2019)
	McManus, Dickie*		Vocals	Woodchoppers Showband (emigrated to Canada, sadly passed away in Feb., 2003)
	McManus, Paul	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Sax	Stylos Showband, Chessmen (sadly passed away suddenly 7th April, 2014) Paul started his career with local Sligo showband, the Stylos in the late 1960's and then went on to the Chessmen in 1969, staying with the band until they called it quits in the early 70's. He returned to Sligo and played with several local groups, switching from sax to drums and then retired from the music scene. He stayed in his native Sligo, but did not perform during the last years of his life.
	McManus, Tommy	Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh	Drums	Mama's Boys (passed away on November 16, 1994 of leukemia complications) Tommy and his brothers, Pat and John McManus started out in 1978 by forming Pulse. Their first break came when they were asked by Barry Devlin to support Horslips on an Irish Tour in 1979. They changed their name to Mama's Boys and never looked back scoring a hit record in the United States with appearances on MTV in the early nineties. Tommy was only 28 when he passed away in London.
	McNally, Brian	Dungannon Co. Tyrone	Bass	Philomena Begley and Country Flavour (Brian sadly died of a heart attack in 1998, aged 50) He married a girl from a place called Teelin, Co. Donegal and settled there.  He had 2 children, Roisin and Brian.  When the band broke up in the 70's he played locally in bars and hotels and spent most of his summers playing music in Lisdoonvarna.  Our thanks to his daughter, Roisin, for the info.
	McNally, Michael	Dungannon Co. Tyrone	Unknown	Old Cross Bandshow, Philomena Begley and Country Flavour (Pat Casey tells us Michael sadly passed away in July, 2009)
	McNamee, Eddie	Newt'stewart Co. Tyrone	Multi	Melody Aces Showband (Eddie sadly passed away in March, 2007 - Liam O'Reilly)
	McNeil, Noel	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Capitol Showband (Peter West wrote us in July 2011 to say that Noel, with whom he had played in a duo in the UK, sadly passed away in England in the late 1990's).
	Mehaffey, Derrick	Fintona, Co. Omagh	Vocals/ Keyboards	Derrick and the Sounds, Royal Showband, Conqurors, Superstars (Derrick sadly passed away Aug 26th, 2024 aged 78)
	Melville, Jerry		Sax	Northernaires (Jerry sadly passed away)
	Minehane, John	Bantry, Co. Cork	Sax	Regal Showband (John sadly passed away on April 1st, 2019, 88 years old)
	Mitchell, Harry	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Keyboards	Witnesses Showband (Harry sadly passed away in January, 1990 in Israel)
	Molloy, Brian	Dublin Co. Dublin	Manager	Cotton Mill Boys, Hawk Records (passed away November 28, 2005) Besides being the founder of Hawk and Lunar Records which guided the recording careers of many of the era's greatest stars, Brian also managed the Cotton Mill Boys, one of the country's most successful country outfits, from 1969 to 1979. He later founded Phantom FM Radio in Dublin. He passed away after a long battle with cancer. Our thanks to Gerry Madigan for letting us know.
	Molloy, Mick	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Banjo	Johnstons (Mick sadly passed away on 27th July, 2022 in New York)
	Molloy, Tony	Derry, Co. Derry	Guitar	Crescent Showband, Marines Showband, Tradewinds, Champagne, Vogue (Tony sadly passed away in early 2006 - Les Thompson)
	Moloney, Ollie	Tuam, Co. Galway	Trumpet	Johnny Flynn Showband, The Ohio, Ollie Maloney Band (passed away March 23, 1994)
	Monaghan, Tony	The Downs, Co. Westmeath	Bass	Downlanders (Tony sadly passed away)
	Monks, Joe	Rush, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Pirates Showband, Sun Valley Boys, Jim Farley Band (Joe sadly passed away May 8th, 2021 Joe started his career with the Pirates Showband and in 1970 had a song accepted in the National Song Contest. In April, 1970 he joined the Sun Valley Boys and wrote several song for the band. In 1976 he joined with Jim Farley. After retiring from showbiz, Joe formed a building business with his brother Eric.
	Moore, Butch	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Blue Clavons, Capitol Showband, Kings (Butch sadly passed away April 3, 2001) Besides being the lead singer with one of Ireland's best loved showbands, The Capitol, Butch also had the distinction of being the first Irish representative in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965. He sang "Walking The Streets in The Rain," which finished a very respectable sixth. He passed away in the United States.
	Moore, Gary	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Guitar	Skid Row, Thin Lizzy, Solo (Gary sadly passed away February 6, 2011 - age 58) Gary started his career with Skid Row and and briefly joined with Phil Lynott in Thin Lizzy after the departure of Eric Bell. Over the years, he continued to do short stints with Lizzy as well as building his own solo career and established himself as one of the top guitarist in the world. He sadly passed away on 6th February, 2011 while on holiday in Spain. He was only 58.
	Moore, Thom	California, USA	Guitar/vocals	Pumpkinhead, Midnight Well, Solo (Thom sadly passed away March 17th, 2018 - age 74)
	Morelli, Tony	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Guitar	Witnesses, Dave Glover Band (Tony sadly passed away 15-8-12)
	Morrison, Noel	Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo	Bass	Clefonaires Showband (Noel sadly passed away)
	Moulds, Jim			Dave Moynihan Showband (Jim sadly passed away on March 4, 2002-Brendan Moulds)
	Mowatt, Dennis	Belfast Co. Antrim	Guitar	We Four (Dennis sadly passed away on Jan 1, 2019-Geoff Mowatt, his son)
	Mulcahy, David	Mitchelstown, Co. Cork	Sax	Maurice Mulcahy Orchestra (David passed away in December, 1975)
	Mulcahy, Joe	Mitchelstown, Co. Cork	Sax	Maurice Mulcahy Orchestra   (Joe sadly passed away on January 22nd, 2021)
	Mulcahy, Maurice	Mitchelstown, Co. Cork	Trumpet	Maurice Mulcahy Orchestra (passed away August 21, 1963)
	Mulcahy, Michael	Mitchelstown, Co. Cork	Sax	Maurice Mulcahy Orchestra (Mike sadly passed away August 14, 2003)
	Mulhall, Des	Arklow, Co. Wicklow	Drums	Echos, Red 7, Jack Ruane (Des sadly passed away 4th Jan, 2019-Liam O'Reilly)
	Mullen, George	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Trumpet	Witnesses (George sadly passed away - Mike Arkins)
	Mulholland, Barney	Armoy, Co. Antrim	Vocals	Red Barons, Young Stars (Barney sadly passed away in 1992 in a road accident )
	Mullen, Gerry	Clones, Co. Monaghan and Dundalk	Sax	George Duffy Orchestra (Gerry sadly passed away in April, 1998)
	Mulligan, Mick*	Charlestown, Co. Mayo	Trombone/Keys	Dixietones (Mick sadly passed away in 2002)
	Mulligan, Paul	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Bass	Chips, Tequila Sunrise, Commitments (Paul Lyttle wrote us to let us know the sad news that Paul passed away suddenly 11th Nov, 2011) For the past decade Paul played with The Great Escape, one of the country's top corporate and wedding bands along with Eric Sharpe of Jump The Gun.
	Mulvey, Scott	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Keyboards	Movement, Orphanage, Gentry (Scott's sister Anne, informed us he passed away suddenly on the 25th October 2021.) Paul had been living and laying in London since the 1980s. His early years on the Dublin beat groups scene included stints with the Movement and Orphanage, ending up in the Gentry from 1969 until 1972.
	Murphy, Bobby	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Sax	Arrows, Dickie's Band (Bobby sadly passed away - Tom Foley)
	Murphy, Gerry*			Donie Collins Band (Gerry sadly passed away in 2002-photo from Jenny Ann Murphy)
	Murphy, Kieran*	Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo	Guitar	Margo & the Country Folk, Frank McCaffrey & the Country Folk Frank McCaffrey's Band of Gold (Kieran sadly passed away March 31, 2006)
	Murphy, Paddens		Sax	Sorrento Showband (Paddens' daughter Angela Fisher, wrote to tell us that he sadly passed away on August 7, 2005.)
	Murray, Eric	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Dreams, Sands, Poteen (We received an email from Erika Murray, Eric's daughter, telling us Eric sadly passed away on March 25th, 2015 at the age of 67.)
	Murray, Frankie	Monaghan, Co. Monaghan	Guitar	Capitol, Sharon & Green Forest, Victors (We received an email from Sloan Harrington in the United  States telling us that Frankie sadly passed away in April, 2009. A check of RIP.ie shows that Frankie died on April 6th.)
	Murray, Jimmy	Trim, Co. Meath	Guitar	Virginians, Joe Dolan Band (Jimmy sadly passed away)
	Murray, Jimmy	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Vocals	Regency Showband (Jimmy's niece, Denise Smyth wroye to tell us he sadly passed away in February, 2008))

Acknowledgements:
*Our thanks to Jimmy Compton, Brian O'Brien, Paula Beattie, 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, John Baird, 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.