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
	Neenan, Tony	Cork, Co. Cork	Trumpet	Arrivals Showband (Tony sadly passed away)
	Neilsen, Carl	Copenhagen, Denmark (Strandhill, Co. Sligo)	Trumpet	Clefonaires Showband (Carl sadly passed away on June 23, 2011)
	Neville, Larry	Cork, Co. Cork	Trumpet	Dixielanders Showband, Michael O'Callaghan Showband (Larry sadly passed away on March 11, 2006- from Sarah Murray)
	Newman, Tony	Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	Drums	Arkansas Travellers, Haggards, The Drifters (passed away in 2000)
	Nolan, Mike	Dundalk, Co. Louth	Trumpet	Billy Brown Band, Stage 2, Pacific Showband, Clubmen (passed away January 9, 2005) Although Mike was with several showbands, he was best known for his work in Jazz with artists like Louis Stewart, Keith Donald, Dessie Reynolds, Johnny Wadham and others. In his latter years he wrote commercial jingles as well as continuing to perform in Jazz clubs around Ireland.
	Noone, Patrick J.*	Roscommon, Co. Roscommon	Trumpet	Tara Showband (Patrick emigrated to Canada in the mid 1960's with the Tara Showband and passed away on February 12, 2007. From Chris Noone, his son.)
	Norman, Sean	Edenderry, Co. Offaly	Accordion	Sean Norman Ceili Band (Sean started the band in 1965 and sasdly passed away Sept 23, 2023)
	Norris, Leslie*		Drums	Silver Clouds (Leslie died suddenly at the age of only 57 on Feb. 15, 2006 our thanks to Alan Carr for the notice)
	O'Brien, Brendan	Cork, Co. Cork	Vocals	Dixielanders, Dixies Showband, Stage Two (Brendan sadly passed away on April 3, 2008-age 67) Brendan was one of the legends of the showband era with the Dixies. They scored their greatest success with the single Little Arrows which was number one on the Irish Charts. Brendan nearly died after being electrocuted on stage in 1974 and although plagued with health problems since, he continued to perform up until the time of his death. See his story here.
	O'Brien, Brendan	Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh	Vocals	Skyrockets, Jim Farley Band (Brendan sadly passed away in 2000 - Alex McKeown)
	O'Brien, Dermot	Ardee, Co. Louth	Accordion & Vocals	Clubmen Showband, Dermot O'Brien Band (Dermot sadly passed away on May 22, 2007) Dermot came to prominence in Ireland originally as a member of the County Louth GAA team. Together with his accordion he had many~ hits and was on the balltroom scene for many years with his band the Clubmen and then as a solo artist in cabaret. Her emigrated to | the States where he continued to play the clubs up and down the East Coast of the U.S. until the time of his death.
	O'Brien, Fergus	Santry, Co. Dublin	Trumpet	Tony and the Graduates (Fergus sadly passed away 11th May, 2013 - Ken Aust) Ken Aust (Gibson) writes to tell us when Fergus left the Graduates he went to play with the The Tophatters who were resident in the Top Hat Ballroom in Dun Laoghaire in 1969. After that he left music and went into the central heating contracting business. Around 1990 he took a gig playing in The Unicorn Restaurant in Merrion Row. In 2005, he emigrated to Spain where he was playing sax and golfing everyday until his death 11th May, 2013.
	O'Brien, Francis	Arklow, Co. Wicklow	Drums	Quartermasters (Francis sadly passed away 8th Feb., 2016 - Liam O'Reilly)
	O'Brien, John	Bray, Co. Wicklow	Guitar	Bagatelle (John sadly passed away April 26th, 2019)
	O'Brien, Noel*	Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh	Drums	Trenniers Showband (Noel sadly passed away a few years ago)
	O'Brien, Paud	Arklow, Co. Wicklow	Sax/Clarinet	Red Seven Showband, Avonairs Showband (Paud sadly passed away 18th Sept, 2020 - Liam O'Reilly)
	O'Callaghan, Bobby	Buttevant, Co. Cork	Vocals	Michael O'Callaghan Band (our thanks to Con Collins for info) (passed away September 21, 1987. Our thanks also to Bonny's daughter Eileen O'Grady for the photo of her father. )
	O'Callaghan, Michael	Buttevant, Co. Cork		Michael O'Callaghan Band (Michael sadly passed away December 7, 2007. Our thanks also to Liam O'Reilly for the info).
	O'Connell, Brendan	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Cadets (Brendan sadly passed away August 1, 2024)
	O'Connell, Paddy	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Manager	Shaun O'Dowd & Dingaling, Candi & Dynamite, Kim Newport Band, Tommy Drennan and Top League Two Mile Inn  (Paddy sadly passed away in January 2006)
	O'Connell, Nelius	Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick	Manager	Kerry Blues, Jim Farley All Stars, Frankie McBride & The Polka Dots, Maisie McDaniel, Nita Norry, Philomena Begley & The Country Flavour (Nelius sadly passed away August 5, 2006)-his son, Donal.
	O'Connor, Maurice "Mossie"	Newcastle West, Co. Limerick	Drums	Donie Collins Band, Maurice Mulcahy Band (a.k.a. Ronnie Fox) (sadly passed away March 31, 2005)
	O'Connor, Tommy	Tralee, Co. Kerry	Bass	Kerry Blues (sadly passed away December 2, 2013 thanks to Ger Boyle for photo and updated info)
	O'Domhnaill, Michael		Guitar	Bothy Band  (Michael sadly passed away in July, 2006)
	O'Dowda Donal		Guitar	Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen  (Donal sadly passed away)
	O'Duffy Phillip	Bray, Co. Wicklow	Guitar	Deep Set, Cadets, Cottons Mill Boys, Grassroots (Phillip sadly passed away in August, 2017)
	O'Dwyer Tommy	Clonmel, Co. Tipperary	Sax	Rim-Shot Sowband (Tommy sadly passed away April 2005)
	O'Dwyer Willie	Co. Tipperary	Unknown	Tommy Weston Dance Band (Willie sadly passed away - John Ryan)
	O'Grady, Michael "Mog"	Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny	Keyboards	Nomads. Jim Cantwell, Tweed  (Michael sadly passed away on April 21, 2020)
	O'Grady, Mick		Bass	Vampires  (Michael sadly passed away on Oct 20, 2007 - Tom Foley)
	O'Hara, Dan*	Blacklion, Co. Cavan	Guitar/Vocals	Philomena Begley's Country Flavour, Ramblin' Men, Dan also fronted the band as Dan O'Hara and the Country Flavour in the mid 70's. (Dan sadly passed away November 13, 2004)
	O'Hagan, Fergus			Clipper Carlton (Fergie sadly passed away February 24, 2007)
	O'Hanlon, Mick		Drums	Clipper Carlton (Mick sadly passed away September 7, 2009)
	O'Hara, Shay	Carlow, Co. Carlow	Vocals	Royal Blues, Premier Aces (Shay emigrated to Australia and sadly passed away on the 20th March, 2009)
	O'Leary, Finbar*	Cork, Co. Cork	Keyboards	Dixielanders, Dixies Showband (Finbar sadly passed away June 12, 2002)
	O'Leary, Hugh	Castlefin, Co. Donegal	Sax	Blueglows Showband (Hugh sadly passed away in Sligo 30th May, 2016.)
	O'Leary, Sean	Unknown, Co. Cork	Trumpet	Regal Showband (Sean sadly passed away July 31, 2012 aged 81 - our thanks to Breda Stafford)
	O'Leary, Tony (Richard)	Bray, Co. Wicklow	Vocals	Uptown Band, Capitol, Smokeys, Gallowglass (Tony sadly passed away May 28th, 2021 - our thanks to John Harrold)
	O'Loughlin, Denis*	Limerick, Co. Limerick	Sax/Clarinet	Pete Roxborough Orchstra, Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen (Denis sadly passed away)
	O'Mahony, Chris*		Bass	Dixielanders, Dixies Showband (Chris sadly passed away July 10, 1990)
	O'Neill, Billy		Guitar	Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen (Billy sadly passed away)
	O'Neill, Brian	Keady, Co. Armagh	Sax/clarinet	Majestic Showband, Canvas Wagon (Brian sadly passed away)
	O'Neill, Joe	Castlerea, Co. Roscommon	Manager	House of Music, Sound of Music, Jet Club, Ennis (Joe sadly passed away 17th May, 2012) Musician, promoter, manager...Joe did it all during his long career in the Irish entertainment industry. From the 1970's until the time of his death, Joe was one of Ireland's most successful music retailers. Many showbands stopped in Glenamaddy to buy, rent or get equipment repaired for over 40 years. His ballrooms packed in dancers throughout the showband era. A personal friend, I bought my first Strat from Joe in 1974. He will be missed.
	O'Neill, John	Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone	Accordion	Old Cross Country Band, Country Flavour (John sadly passed away 30th December, 2018) Founder member of the Old Cross Ceili Band which in 1959 placed fourth in the Ceili band section of the All-Ireland Fleadh held in Thurles. In the early 1960's they added a female vocalist, Philomena Begley to lineup and never looked back becoming the Country Flavour and one of the top country bands in Ireland. John would go on to remain one of the top figures on the traditional scene in the North until his passing.
	O'Neill Mickey	Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan	Drums	Manhattan Showband, Capitol Showband, Times, Swarbiggs. Paddy Cole Superstars, Big Eight  (Mickey sadly passed away on June 14, 2010 in Las Vegas - from Geraldine Swarbrigg) One of Ireland's best known drummers, Mickey played with many of the top bands on the ballroom scene in the 60's 70's and into the 80's. He eventually emigrated to Las Vegas in 1983 with the rest of the Big 8 and remained there until his death.
	O'Reilly Liam	Arklow, Co. Wicklow	Guitar	Columbia Showband, Quartermasters, Red Seven (Liam sadly passed away on July 18th, 2022)
	O'Reilly Shay		Trombone/ Vocals	Casino, Indians (Shay sadly passed away in early 1998 we think))
	O'Riordan Enda	Newcastle, Co. Tipperary	Manager	Cowboys (Enda sadly passed away on April 14, 2008)
	O'Rourke, Jack	Mallow, Co. Cork	Manager	Majestic Ballroom, Mallow and Top Hat, Fermoy (Jack sadly passed away on May 1, 2005) Besides being one of the best known ballroom promoters in Ireland, Jack was also the Chairman of the Irish Ballroom Bands Association (IBBA) when it was first formed. He would be a part of the Associated  Ballroom Group as well. We thank his son, Brendan for the info and photos of his father.
	O'Rourke, Margaret	Dumnafinla, Co. Leitrim	Vocals	Hi-Lows  (Margaret sadly passed away July 15, 2013) Margaret O'Rourke sadly passed away suddenly on July 15th after a short illness. In 1976 she joined the Hi-Lows Showband and released several records including The Perfect Match with Gerry Reynolds. She continued to sing in the church choir, at charity functions and in later years at weddings and funerals. Unfortunately, Margaret had to cease her singing career when she lost her voice in the early 1990’s. However she continued to be very involved with local theatre and the ICA in Leitrim.
	O'Rourke, Padraig*	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Clowns (sadly passed away)
	O'Sullivan, Kevin	Cork, Co. Cork	Bass/Mgr.	Ritz Showband (John Whyte wrote to tell us his Uncle, Kevin, sadly passed away in a house fire in April, 2008)
	O'Sullivan, Joe	Cork, Co. Cork	Drums	Michael O'Callaghan Showband, Dixies (Barry wrote to tell us Joe sadly passed away on the 10th May, 2010)
	O'Sullivan, Murt	Bantry, Co. Cork	Accordion	Regal Showband (Mike Ahern wrote to tell us Murt sadly passed away)
	O'Sullivan, Paddy	Bantry, Co. Cork	Bass	Regal Showband (Mike Ahern wrote to tell us Paddy sadly passed away June 1, 2013)
	O'Toole, Fran	Bray, Co. Wicklow	Keyboards/ Vocals	Miami Showband (killed by terrorists on July 31, 1975) A very young Fran O'Toole joined the Miami after they split to form the Sands in 1967. When Dickie Rock went solo, Fran stepped out front and instantly became one of Ireland's best loved entertainers. He was also a prolific songwriter and penned several smash hits for the band and others. He was gunned down by terrorists on a country road while they were planting a bomb on the band's van, which went off prematurely.
	Owens, John "Chuck"	Granard, Co. Longford	Vocals/ Fiddle	Wagon Wheels, Sahara, Texans, New Smokeys, Country Blueboys (Chuck sadly passed away Dec 21st, 2020) Chuck started his career in the late 1960s with his own family band but would soon form his own band, Wagon Wheel. He would eventually joined the Sahara Showband and while there was drafted to join the Texans, a band managed by Jimmy Higgins which would become the New Smokeys in 1973. He and wife June would end up as members of Larry Cunningham's Blueboys until the early 1980s when they formed their own band, the Gamblers. He would continue to play a major role in midland music producing many records up until his death.
	Patterson, Dorothy	Letterkenny, Co. Donegal	Vocals	The Pattersons (we understand Dorothy passed away in 2009)
	Pearse, Danny		Vocals/Guitar	Danny & The Lions, Jim Farley Big Band, Jim Farley Band Show   (passed away March 15, 1969)
	Phelan, Martin	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Miami, Sands  (Martin sadly passed away July 17, 2010) Sax player, Martin, started his career in 1961 with the Miami and broke away in 1967 to help form the Sands. Martin was one of the last of the original members of the band to leave in 1973. He went to Canada, but returned to Ireland and purchased a hotel in Dublin which he ran for a time but eventual sold. In recent years he had been performing with wedding band, Hi Society. Our sincere sympathies are extended to his wife, Nuala, and children Tagart, Emma, Leigh, and Martin-Bryce.
	Piggot, Ernie	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Odeon Showband   (Ernie sadly passed away)
	Ponsonby, Denis	Letterkenny, Co. Donegal		William Ponsonby Showband (sadly passed away in 1996 - our thanks to Des Ponsonby, his son for the info and photo)
	Ponsonby, Eamon	Letterkenny, Co. Donegal	Drums	William Ponsonby Showband, Blue Glows Showband (Eamon sadly passed away Nov 26th, 2017 at age 85)
	Ponsonby, Ted	Letterkenny, Co. Donegal	Guitar	Denver Showband, Section One, Rascals (Ted sadly passed away September 13th, 2023) One of the most well known musicians from Donegal, Ted was a member of the very musical Ponsonby family from Letterkenny striking out on his own with his band Section One which soon became the Rascals along with brother Don. For the next decade they were one of the top pop bands in the country and Ted then focused on his solo career as a session musician and producer playing with many of the top artists in Ireland.
	Ponsonby, Terry	Letterkenny, Co. Donegal		William Ponsonby Showband (sadly passed away)
	Ponsonby, William	Letterkenny, Co. Donegal	Accordion	William Ponsonby Showband (sadly passed away)
	Prendergast, Frank	Co. Waterford	Trumpet	Bridesiders (Frank's son, Frank wrote us recently and told us that Frank, Snr. sadly passed away in January, 1991)
	Prendergast, Joe	Co. Waterford	Bass	Bridesiders, Victors (Joe's brother, Frank wrote us recently and told us that Joe sadly passed away in September, 2006 aged 60)
	Power, Lenny	Co. Wicklow	Guitar	Jay Byrne Showband, Smokey Mountain Ramblers (Lenny's daughter, Carol, wrote us recently and told us that Lenny sadly passed away in 1994)
	Purdy, Norman	Larne, Co. Antrim	Vocals	High Seas Showband (sadly passed away)
	Quinn, Ben E.	Portnoo, Co. Donegal	Vocals	Keynotes Showband (Ben sadly passed away - John McGrenra) Ben replaced Margo in the Keynotes Showband in 1972 and release the record "Little Cabin Home On The Hill" before the band called it quits in the mid-seventies.
	Quinn, Liam "Clem"	Rathfarnum, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Miami Showband (Clem sadly passed away in November, 1996)
	Quinn, Hugo		Trumpet	Clipper Carlton Showband (Hugo sadly passed away October 26, 1987) A founding member of the Clipper Carlton, Hugo was one of the driving forces behind the band's several comebacks in the late 1960's and again in 1985. So much so, that his death in 1987 resulted in the end of the band forever.
	Quinn, Mick	Dublin, Dublin	Manager	Dickie Rock, Daddy Cool & The Lollipops, Sheeba, Red Hurley Pacific Showband (Mick sadly passed away February 22nd, 2015)
	Quigley, Tommy		Trombone	George Duffy Orchestra (Tommy sadly passed away)
	Rea, Seamus		Guitar/ Vocals	Gerry & the Presidents   (Seamus sadly passed away 27th May, 1984 - Teresa Rea)
	Reid, Ted	Rasharkin Co. Antrim	Gtr/Steel	Cotton Mill Boys   (Ted sadly passed away on July 25th, 2008 - Shane Reid)
	Reilly, Jimmy	Athenry Co. Galway	Drums	Swingtime Aces   (Jimmy sadly passed away on August 22nd, 2018 - Gery Flynn)
	Reilly, Paddy	Longford Co. Longford	Drums	Hi-Lows Showband   (Sadly passed away-Sharon Tighe Mooney)
	Reynolds, Albert	Rooskey Co. Roscommon	Manager	Reynolds Brothers "Land" Ballrooms   (Albert sadly passed away August 21, 2014)
	Reynolds, Gerry*	Co. Leitrim	Vocals	Hi-Lows Showband   (Gerry sadly passed away in July, 2002) Gerry joined the Hi-Lows in April, 1972 and had an immediate hit with his recording of 100 Children. He fronted the band for many years along with Margaret Rourke. After leaving the band he retired from show business.
	Reynolds, Paddy	Drogheda, Co. Louth	Sax	Casino Showband (Paddy sadly passed away)
	Reynolds, Terry	Longford, Co. Longford	Drums	Country Blue Boys, Mick Flavin, Kathy Durkan (Terry sadly passed away June 9th, 2024)
	Rice, Gerry	Belfast, Antrim	Sax/clarinet	Witnesses Showband (Gerry sadly passed away on 5th August, 2021)   Gerry's son, Brian wrote to tell us Gerry passed away on August 5th, 2021. He continued to live in Belfast with his wife Eilish and five children. From the 1970s onwards he worked as a freelance/session musician. His work included sessions with the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra and working with in house bands for RTE, BBC and ITV. Our sincere sympathies are extended to Gerry's family and friends. .
	Richardson, Barry	London, England	Sax/bass	Alpine 7, Crickets Showband, Bluesville (Barry sadly passed away on 25th December, 2001)
	Ring, Donal	Cork, Co. Cork	Accordion	Donal Ring Ceili Band (Donal sadly passed away March 5th, 2022)
	Roche, Mick	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Vampires, Arrows, Dublin Corporation, Miami (Mick sadly passed away on May 11th, 2019)
	Rock, Dickie	Cabra West, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Miami, Dickie's Band, Solo (Dickie sadly passed away on Deceber 6th, 2024 aged 88)
	Roddy, Peter "Peter Boy"	Derry, Co. Derry	Vocals	Trend Showband (Peter sadly passed away on 22nd January, 2018)
	Roddy, Seamus	Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath	Drums & Bass	Firehouse, Sahara, Plainsmen (Seamus sadly passed away on 22nd Sept, 2011 - Vinny Baker)
	Roper, Pat	Scotland	Vocals	Spotlights, Bernie and the Tartans (Pat sadly passed away in the United States in August, 2010)
	Ruane, Jack Sr.*	Ballina, Co. Mayo	Sax/Clarinet	Jack Ruane Showband   (Jack sadly passed away May 6, 1997 aged 85) One of the major figures of the showband era to come out of the west, Jack and his band lead the way from Mayo from the 1940's and for the next three decades. Known as "the Head" locally, Jack continued to play sessions in and around his native Ballina right up until the time of his death and his legacy was kept alive by sons, Judd and Jack Jr.
	Ryan, Declan	Cork, Co. Cork	Guitar/Vocals	Regal Showband, Arrivals Showband (Declan sadly passed away on 18th March, 2019)
	Ryan, Eamonn*	Tuam, Co. Galway	Guitar	Bandits Showband (no relation to Tommy, Eamon sadly passed away on 29th July, 2001 -Veronica Ryan)
	Ryan, Gerry	Dublin Co. Dublin	Bass	Hoedowners, Caroline Showband (Gerry sadly passed away on June 7th, 2022 aged 77) Gerry joined the Hoedowners on bass, moving the Caroline showband in 1966. He would tour the UK but eventually returned to Dublin and in 1984 emigrated to the United States where he worked as a carpenter for many years.
	Ryan, Liam	Tipperary Co. Tipperary	Manager	Casino Showband, Radio Showband, Country Style, Farmer's Sons (Liam sadly passed away on October 20th, 2020 aged 88)
	Ryan, Tommy*	Tuam, Co. Galway	Bass	Bandits Showband, Crystal All Stars (Tommy was killed in a car crash)
	Sands, Eugene	Newry, Co. Down	Mandolin	Sands Family (Eugene was sadly killed in a car crash in Germany in 1975 at the age of only 21)
	Scott, Brian		Drums	Trend, Teddie Palmer's Rumble Band (emigrated to Canada but sadly passed away)
	Scott, Seamus	Elphin, Co. Roscommon	Sax	Ramblers Showband (Al Owens tells us Seamus sadly passed away)
	Scott, Simon (Real name: Ivan Vaughan)	Dungannon, Co. Tyrone	Vocals	Dave Glover, Plattermen, Apaches, Zodiac Showband (Simon was tragically killed in flooding during Storm Desmond on December 7th, 2015, he was 70 years old and on his way home from a gig.)
	Scully, Barry	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Bass	Ray Richards Showband, Emile Ford and the Checkmates, Bandleader Resident Band - The Regent Rooms London, The Beat Brothers (Hamburg), Gene and the Gents, Roly and Green County, Spice (resident Donaghmeade Inn Dublin), Dickie Rock Band (Barry sadly passed away December 10, 2007 age 64)
	Shanagher, Peter	Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon	Bandleader	Ivy Caste Dance Band (Peter sadly passed away in May, 2004) Peter lead the Ivy Caste Dance Band from the 1940's until they called it quits in 1955. He helped start the Pioneer Aces, but gave over the reins to Stephen Treacy and Paddy Malone. The band stayed on the road for over a decade. He left Ireland and emigrated to England where he lived until his death.
	Shearer, Dom	Strabane, Co. Tyrone	Sax	Clipper Carlton (Dom sadly passed away August 31, 2005) Dom joined the Clipper Carlton in 1956 as lead vocalist.
	Sheehan, John	Cork, Co. Cork	Trumpet	Dixielanders Showband (John sadly passed in 1999 - Rachel O'Leary-granddaughter) John's granddaughter, Rachel O'Leary, writes to tell us that John left the band in 1964 due to illness. He fully recovered and played on the jazz scene around Cork and Ireland for many years. Sadly, John passed away in 1999 leaving behind four children and ten grandchildren.
	Sheerin, Pat	Mullingar Co.Westmeath	Drums	Classic Showband (Pat sadly passed away in September, 2015)
	Sheerin, Sam	Mullingar Co.Westmeath	Sax	Classic Showband (Sam sadly passed away the week of Oct. 3, 2005-Pat Hoye)
	Shelly, Pat	Carlow	Bass	Oscars Showband (Liam Kelly to tell us Pat sadly passed away)
	Sheridan, Peter		Manager	Brian Harkin & The Plainsmen, Frank McCaffrey & The Country Folk Venues: Longford Arms, Longford, Odea's Hotel, Loughrea (Peter sadly passed away in 1998)
	Sherlock, Jack	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Sax	Crickets Showband (Jack sadly passed away in 1995 - Thomas Harrington-photo)
	Sherman, Bertie*	Rathdowney, Co. Laois	Sax	Tweed (Bertie sadly passed away on July 22 (or 24th), 1978 - Seanie Ryan and Aidan McCane)
	Shine, Owen	Athlone, Co. Weatmeath	Keybaords	Brendan Shine Band (Owen sadly was killed on November 5th, 1997 in a fall in a hotel in Birmingham, England during a tour. He was only 44.)
	Skillen,  Barney		Guitar	Flint, Clipper Carlton , Santa Fe Showband, Pikemen (Barney sadly passed away December 16th, 2015 - Gerry McCorry)
	Smith, Dominic*	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Drums	Clefonaires (Dominic sadly passed away in 1979)
	Smith, Jimmy	Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan	Trombone	Mighty Avons (Jimmy sadly passed away on the 15th August, 2021 aged 83.) A founding member of the Avons along with brother Paddy and Peter the band would enjoy success featuring Larry Cunningham, Gene Stuart and Brian Harkin during their years on the road. Jimmy would later become involved in local radio wiuth both TTTR Radio, Dublin and later Galway Bay FM.
	Smith, Peter	Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan	Sax	Mighty Avons (Peter sadly passed away on the 19th October, 2021)
	Smith, Mike	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Trombone	Carousel Showband, Circles (Mike's daughter, Linda Smith recently wrote to tell us that he sadly passed away in October, 1974. He was only 37 years old.)
	Smith, Michael	, Co. Cavan	Sax	Hi-Lows (Mike's daughter, Yvonne emailed us in Feb, 2020 to tell us that he sadly passed away on October 24th, 2015. He was 90 years old.)
	Smith, Paddy*	Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan	Trumpet	Mighty Avons (Paddy sadly passed away - John Baird)
	Smyth, Des	Artane, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Des Smyth & the Collegemen, Family Pride, Solo  (Des sadly passed away 23rd February, 2020)
	Somers,  Vinnie	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Sax, Bass	Niagra, Powermen, Plainsmen (Vinnie sadly passed away May 28th, 2019) Vinnie got his start with the Sligo Boys Club Band under the direction of Joe Burns. He would soon be playing his sax with showbands, especially the Plainsmen one of the top bands of the early 70s. After a stint with the Powermen, Vinnie returned to hisa home town of Sligo and continued to play with local groups.
	Sproule, Geordie	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Sax	Federals Showband (Geordie sadly passed away  - Vaughan Byrne)
	St. Leger, Pete			Victors Showband (Pete sadly passed away December 7, 1993)
	Stewart, Davy		Vocals	Clouds (David Johnston tells us Davy sadly passed away in 2005)
	Street, Gary (Joe Conway)	Co. Roscommon	Vocals	Jivenaires, Agents Showband, Fairways, (a.k.a. Joe Conway, passed away on July 5, 2003)  Born in Geesala, Joe Conway adopted the stage name of Gary Street during the mid-1960s. It stuck so well that many people were unaware of any other name for him. In 1968, his composition ‘Flippidy Flop’ reached No. 10 in the Irish Top 20 and stayed in the charts for five weeks. After leaving the Fairways in 1976, he moved to England where he fronted a resident band for a number of years up until his death.
	Stuart, Gene	Dungannon, Co. Tyrone	Vocals	Regents Showband, Mighty Avons, Homesteaders  (Gene sadly passed away 11th February, 2016) Gene's long career in music started in the mid 60's and he would join the Regents Showband, then the Mighty Avons and finally his own Homesteaders Band. Throughout his career he remained one of the top country stars in Ireland and the UK.
	Taylor, Roy	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals, Bass	Nevada, Jump the Gun  (Roy saldy passed away June 1st, 2023 after a battle with Motor Neuron1 Disease - MND.) Roy joined the Nevada in 1977 and soon owned the band. In 1983, he joined Peter Eades of the Miami in forming Jump the Gun. The band would represent Ireland in 1988 with Roy's song, "Take Him Home" which placed a respectable 8th out of 21 entries. In more recent years he worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funding for research into MND.
	Thomas, Vinnie (Finnie)	Craughwell, Co. Galway	Bass	Fleet, Boys 'n Girls, Magic Band  (Vinnie sadly passed away)
	Thompson, Sean	Cootehill, Co. Cavan	Vocals/ Trumpet	Sean Thompson and the Everglades  (Sean sadly passed away 13th February, 2010 - from Anthony Loughman)
	Thornton, Dave	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Vocals	Plattermen  (Dave sadly passed away March 20th, 2019 from Christina Thornton)
	Thunder, Alan	Cabra West, Co. Dublin	Drum	The Movement, Dreams, Joe Cuddy Band (1984)  (Alan sadly passed away in Cork Dec. 8, 2010)
	Tiernan, Malachy	Charlestown, Co. Mayo	Sax/Clarinet	Riviera Showband  (Malachy sadly passed away in July 2007)
	Tierney, P.J.	Carlow, Co. Carlow	Sax/Clarinet	P.J. Tierney Orchestra (P.J. sadly passed away July 24, 2000) From Carlow, P.J. played with several small groups and bands in the area in the 1940's including the Stardust. In 1949 he formed his own P.J. Tierney Orchestra, a nine piece band that was on the road until 1962. In his later years he opened a clothing store and became one of Carlow's most successful businessmen in  the taxi trade. He was 78 when he passed away with over 50 years on the music scene.
	Tobin, Bernard	Cork, Co. Cork	Vocals/Sax	Impact Showband  (Bernard sadly passed away July 27, 2007-from his daughter Gayle)
	Tobin, Jim	Castlepollard Co. Westmeath	Vocals	Firehouse  (Jim sadly passed away August 24th, 2019)
	Tohill, Tommy	Warrenpoint, Co. Down	Bass	Rhythm Aces, Hilton Showband  (Tommy sadly passed away June 9th, 2020-J. Harrold) A founding member of the Hilton Showband from Newry in 1963 Tommy would play with the band for nearly fifty years until around 2010. In fact three original members (Mick Doran and Ricky McVey) would keep playing to fans around the North.
	Trainor, Hughie*		Sax/Clarinet	Hughie Trainor Band Show (Hughie sadly passed away November 25, 2003)
	Traynor, Dave	Rathcoole, Co. Dublin	Sax	Uncle Ham, Jim Farley, Stage 2, Country Folk,  Gentry (Dave sadly passed away July 18th, 2022)
	Treacy, Liam	Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon	Bass	Premier Aces, Rhythm Stars  (Liam sadly passed away)
	Treacy, Stephen	Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon	Accordion Keys Guitar	Premier Aces, Rhythm Stars  (Stephen sadly passed away Feb 22, 2020 - Stefan Nyland)
	Treacy, Tony	Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon	Guitar	Hi-Lows  (Tony sadly passed away - Sharon Tighe Mooney)
	Tyrell, Jim	Arklow, Co. Wicklow	Keyboards/ Trumpet	Columbia Showband, Ranchers, Jim Tyrell Trio (Jim sadly passed away May 14, 2007)
	Tyrell, Mick	Arklow, Co. Wicklow	Bass	Columbia Showband, (Mick sadly passed away some years ago - Liam O'Reilly)
	Tyrell, Pat	Arklow, Co. Wicklow	Sax/keys	Columbia Showband,, (Pat sadly passed away 16th Feb, 2021 - Liam O'Reilly)
	Verdon, Liam	Strandhill, Co. Sligo	Vocals	Stylos Showband, (Liam sadly passed away January 7th, 2012)
	Wadham, Johnny	Croydon, England	Drums/ Percussion	Louis Stewart Trio, countless recording sessions (Johnny sadly passed away September 1, 2003 at the age of 67) Johnny was never a member of a showband, but he had more influence on the showband era than all but a handful of drummers. Johnny was one of the main session drummers in Dublin throughout the showband years. His versatility and skills made the perfect man to get a session done quickly and done right. We will probably never know how many showband tracks bear Johnny's mark as most bands didn't want their fans to know they had not played on their own records. He will be missed.
	Wallace, Val	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Intruders (Terry Carroll tells us Val sadly passed away in 1985 from Motor Neuron disease.)
	Walsh, Christy	Carlow, Co. Carlow		Dermot O'Brien's Clubmen, Vikings, P.J. Tierney Band, Paragon 7, Jack Ruane Showband (Christy sadly passed away on  March 3, 2006) Following his career in the showbands, Christy became best known as a radio presenter in Carlow at CKR where his catch phrase was "morning all." Our thanks to Liam Kelly for the news about Christy's passing.
	Walsh, Gerry*	Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan	Bass	Mighty Avons (Gerry passed away in Oct., 2001)
	Walsh, Ina*	Letterkenny, Co. Donegal		William Ponsonby Showband (Ina sadly passed away-John Baird)
	Walsh, Robbie	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Vocals	Adolph J. Ragg, Magazine, Honey Suite, Orphanage (Robbie sadly passed away Oct. 6, 2007 at the age of just 60 - Des Hickey)
	Walsh, Tommy	Tuam, Co. Galway	Trumpet	Millionaires, Tony & The Graduates, Bandits SB, Real McCoy (Tommy sadly passed away of the 7th February, 2016 after a long battle with cancer)
	Walsh, Tony*	Waterford, Co. Waterford	Trombone/ Guitar	Blue Aces Showband (Tony passed away)
	Ward, Willie	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Trumpet	Jackpots Showband, Altonaires Showband (Willie sadly passed away June 14, 2006 - our thanks to his son Will and daughter Niamh.)
	Wells, Houston	England	Vocals	Premier Aces, Trident Showband (Houston sadly passed away 27th Dec, 2013 - Anthony O'Hagan) The former lead singer with the Premier Aces was also with The Trident Showband based in Limerick. In recent years he had signed a deal with Rollercoaster Records UK, and had new songs recorded in association with his son Rob Smith as well as other session musicians in New Zealand, where Houston lived since the 1973. Our sympathies are extended to his family and friends in Ireland, England and New Zealand.
	Weston, Tommy		Banjo	Mick Delahunty Orchestra, Tommy Weston Dance Band (Tommy sadly passed away - John Ryan)
	Whelan, Bertie		Drums	Oscars Showband (Liam Kelly writes to tell us Bertie sadly passed away)
	Wickham, Ray	Sligo, Co. Sligo	Guitar	St. Mary's Ceili Band (Ray's brother Paul wrote us to say he passed away Sept. 3rd, 2019)
	Whitcomb, Ian	Surrey, England	Vocals	Bluesville (Ian sadly passed away on April 19, 2020)
	Whitley, "Wee" Harry	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Guitar	Oceans Showband, Brunswick Showband (Harry sadly passed away-Robert Magee)
	Williams, Paul		Guitar	Greenbeats (Paul sadly passed away November 22, 1967)
	Wills, Pip		Guitar	Champs (Glen Brown writes to tell us Pip passed away)
	Wilson, Andy	Belfast, Co. Antrim	Trombone	The Witnesses (Andy sadly passed away after a battle with cancer in July, 2015 - Anthony Stuchbury)
	Wilson, Des	Dundalk, Co. Louth	Keyboards/ Vocals	Tracy & the Grassroots, The Big Country, Cotton Mill Boys (Des sadly passed away)
	Woodful, Dermot	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Roly Daniels & Green County, Sugar Shack, Jim Farley Band (Dermot was sadly killed in a car accident in Canada in the early 1990's. He was a brother of Brian and John Woodfull of the Casino Showband/Indians-our thanks to Martin Branigan for info. We received an email from Yvonne Ratigan telling us Dermot actually passed away in 1976, our thanks to her.)
	Woodful, John	Dublin, Co. Dublin	Guitar	Casino Showband / Indians (John sadly passed away on December 30th, 2017). John was an original member of the Casino Showband in the 1960's and stayed with the band when they became the Indians in 1971. He would continue to play with the band until the very late 1990's when he retired from the stage and took up his passion for painting which he continued until his death.
	Woods, John			Tara Showband (John emigrated to Canada in the mid 1960's and sadly passed away in December, 2003 - Kristen Thornton)
	Woods, Kevin	Drumshanbo Co. Leitrim		Kevin Woods Showband (Kevin emigrated to New York where sadly passed away in Dec, 2012, aged 91.)
	Woods, Tony	Donegal, Co. Donegal	Vocals	Gay McIntyre, Jim Farley, Rhythm Boys, Express Showband (Tony sadly passed away in Derry some years ago - John Baird)
	Young, Michael		Bass	Altonaires Showband, Maurice Mulcahy Big Band (Sean sadly passed away Dec 7, 2007 - Andy Young, his son)
	Young, Sean		Keyboards	Altonaires Showband (Sean sadly passed away Sept 11, 2010 - Colm Young, his son)

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