Remember the Bands

The year 1971 certainly fitted into the era of the Showbands. Every village and town in Ireland had or was hankering after a ballroom or two. The popularity of the dances was not lost on business people who saw the vast numbers advancing on the ballrooms to see their favourite Showbands as good for business. Local shops, petrol stations and bars all benefited from the spin-off. The demand for Showbands was often frantic as the ballroom owners and promoters vied to feature the latest and the greatest available. Forty years on can you recall those show-bands or have you heard your parents mention them. The following are some that frequented Kerry that year. The Hoot’nannys, Frankie Carroll and the Ranchers, The Bandits, Johnny Regan and the Tumbleweeds, Dermot Hegarty and the Plainsmen, Pat Lynch and the Airchords, Larry Cunningham and the Country Blue Boys, Bluebell Quintet, The Moonbeamers and the Clipper Carlton. Dan Duggan and the Savoy played at the Abbey in Abbeyfeale, the Astor in Castleisland was closed for the month of February for renovations and the Country Hillsides played for a Biddy Ball on February 4, 1971 in Miltown. The lead singer with the band was Billy Donegan who presents the All-Irish music Show on Kerry Radio every Sunday morning.

Helen Keane and Patrick Brick meet up with Brendan Boyer at the Mount Brandon Hotel in Tralee

Exiles voting rights.

There has been much debate on the issue of exiles getting the right to vote in Irish Elections. All parties seem to be in favour of it but still nothing happens. It is interesting to note that there is a website that allows exiles to record their preferences in Irish elections but of course these are not taken into account in the real count. To see how the exiles might have voted go to www.ballotbox.ie

Lyreacrompane Notes 1960

The Christmas holidays for Lyre schoolchildren were tinged with a little sadness as the closing of the school also marked the end of 44 years of devoted service to the teaching profession by Mrs. Hannah Sheehy, Clahane. Of these fortyfour years forty were spent in Lyre and four in England. In these notes it would be impossible to do adequate justice to the outstanding capabilities of Mrs. Sheehy who taught two generations of Lyre pupils in the best tradition of her noble calling. As a teacher of infants first and second classes she had the unenviable task of moulding the minds of the future men and women of Lyre. In this respect, she succeeded admirably and the locality will forever be indebted to one who was greatness personified. Her departure from the profession she adorned so efficiently will be genuinely regretted not merely by those who were privileged to teach with her down through the years but also by hundreds of Lyre men and women at home as well as by those whom destiny has scattered throughout foreign lands. All I know will join with me in wishing Mrs. Sheehy countless years of happiness in her retirement – a reward which she has so richly deserved.

Mrs. Sheehy, who is mother of Rev Fr. Kevin Sheehy OSA Northern Nigeria and Sr. Kenneth CP, Rhode Island, was the recipient of a presentation in the form of an armchair on behalf of the pupils and fellow teachers, Mr. D Hannafin and Miss M Nolan. (Jan 2 1960)

Lyreacrompane Notes

Congratulations to Mrs Behan, a native of the Parish, on her appointment at Lyre school. Mrs Behan succeeds Mrs Sheehy who retired recently. (Jan 16 1960)

Local schoolchildren had a pleasant surprise recently when the trophies won by Kerry last year were brought to the school. The Principal at Lyre school is Mr. Dermot Hannifin former All-Ireland Kerry footballer.

Congratulations to Mr Jack Naughton, Glashnacree whose dog, Dawn Dreamer, won a stake at Abbeyfeale coursing.

Following a holiday spent with his parents Mr. John Costello, Lyre, has returned to the USA.

Mr. Tony Nolan, Carrigcannon, has returned to Germany to rejoin the US Forces after a holiday at home. (Jan 30 1960)

The popularity of the local drama group was fully demonstrated at the school on Monday night when before a record attendance they presented an entertaining concert which was the climax of months of earnest preparation. Highlight of the programme was a three hour comedy, in which the group gave an all round polished performance. It is no reflection on the other members of the cast if I single out the name of Jerry Long for special mention. Jerry has given many fine performances but none greater than on Monday night when his antics virtually brought down the house. Jimmy Roche, Nellie Sheehy and Ted Cronin also provided some amusing interludes. The remaining members of the cast, Bridie Long, Mary Roche, Jack and Margaret Buckley did more than their share in making this a most memorable production.

In the supporting comedy items were contributions by Jimmy Roche, Betty Broderick, The Somers sisters, Brendan McKenna (songs). Catherine Canty, Nora Doran, Nellie Sheehy, Kathleen Halpin and Tom Hickey (step-dancing). The accompanists were Tom Doran (accordion) and Jerry Long (violin). The producer was Fr. McSweeney and J Walsh acted as compeer. (Feb 6 1960)

The marriage has taken place at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Wolverhampton, England of Mr. Edmond Sweeney, youngest son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Sweeney, Lyreacrompane and Miss Josephine Griffin, only daughter of Mr. & Mrs David J Griffin, Castleisland. Bridesmaid was Miss Moira McHugh, Cavan and bestman was brother of the groom, Mr. Michael Sweeney.

Congratulations are once again extended to Dan McAuliffe, Duagh who has been selected to play for the Rest of Ireland against the Combined Universities in Croke Park. (Feb 27 1960)

The ash tree grows amid the ruins and spreads its branches wide And shades the spot where dancers housed and music was enjoyed. ‘Twas there my mother, Julie, danced and taught Bill Curran too At Walsh’s house, that to this day, thought ruined, is still called “New”. Across the lively stream outside Ned Connor’s house did stand And still they lie; the stepping stones he put there with one hand. The decades pass and still they give a place on which to thread They stand against the years of floods in memory of Ned. And at the joinings, further down, my memory takes me back To view that cosy little house of Kate and Johnny Mac And further down again along the banks of Glashniore I still recall Pat Kirby bold stand at his old half door. The Naughton’s too lived by the stream beside a waterfall And you were welcome at the house when ever you would call And Tim and Ellie Mary lived so snug beneath their thatch And there was welcome in their smile when you would lift the latch. And at the Nash’s homestead the sign above the door Still marks the year that Tom set sail to far Australia’s shore. From there my mother journeyed out the river track to school As seven times it crossed the stream to dodge each gleaming pool. The footbridges, the stepping stones, the rough and winding track The trout and salmon in the stream; the turf bank brown and black. Those times are gone forever now and memories may blur But still they rattle ‘round my head; those images of Spur. Joe Harrington 28/01/2011

Sheila Hinchliffe (centre) whose late father, Jack Nash, emigrated to Southampton from Spur with son Bob Dixon and his wife, Lin meet cousins Joe Harrington and Helen Schisas at the Crown Moran in Cricklewood. 47