The Sailors float back into mind

This photograph of The Sailors showband from Bagenalstown, will bring back many happy memories to those who danced in the many 'ballrooms of romance' during the show-band era of the 1960s. The Sailors were a very popular showband and played at venues around the country for a number of years, being particularly popular in their local counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Laois, Kildare and Wicklow. The photo was supplied to Looking South by Sarah Gordon, St. Brigid's Crescent, Bagenalstown. The band was managed by the late May Shaw-Rea from Bagenalstown and the fan club secretary was listed on their promotional photo material from the time as c/o Fitzpatrick, Killinane, Bagenalstown.

The band members in the photo are, from left, front: Shay Rea (deceased), who played rhythm guitar and was lead vocalist; Charles Nolan (trombone) and vocals; Ian Rea (bass guitar); in centre: Joe Fitzpatrick, who played lead guitar and trumpet; Andrew Whelan (drums); and on top of the picture is Billy Purcell, who played organ. Shay, Charlie and Ian were from Bagenalstown while Andrew and Billy were from the Paulstown area of Co, Kilkenny.

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Carlow Showbands

The Michael Foley Combo The Michael Foley Combo mid 1960's Managed by Jay Corcoran of John Street, Carlow. Photo provided by 'Carloman'	Oscars Showband Oscars Showband from Carlow circa 1969 Line-up: Pat Kearns (Trumpet), Bertie Whelan, RIP (Drums), Rory Moran (Guitar), John Curran (Vocals), Andy Conway (Guitar), Sean Hennessey (Sax), and Pat Shelly, RIP-(Bass).Our thanks to Liam Kelly for background info on the band.	The Big 8 Showband This band 'The Big 8' which included Brendan Boyer and Tom Dunphy, Kelly and Dave Coady. The band was managed by T.J. Byrne of Mulberry, Larkfield. Carlow Source: The www.Jivenaires.com
Rainbow Showband Rainbow Showband of Carlow Line-up  Back L to R: Tom Dowling (Trombone), Andy Conway (Guitar), Pat Kearns (Trumpet), Sean Hennessey (Sax), Front: Billy Kehoe (Bass), Billy Cooney (Guitar) and Seamus Hayden (Drums). Our thanks to Liam Kelly for background info on the band.	Tropical Showband Tropical Showband Manager - Michael Foley Photo credit Liam O'Reilly	Boston Showband Boston Showband of Carlow Line-up L to R: Tom Dowling (Trombone), Seamus Hayden (Drums), Pat Kearns (Trumpet), Billy Cooney (Guitar) Pat Kelly (Bass), Andy Conway (Guitar), John Curran (Vocals), and Sean Hennessey (Sax). Our thanks to Liam Kelly and Andrew Conway for the line-up info. Thanks to the Irish Showbands.com website for the above images and information.
Carlow Youth Centre Band 'Carlow Youth Centre Band' and dated to May 1969 Source: Peter Heary on Facebook.	The Sailors Showband The Sailors showband from Bagenalstown	The Rolettes Showband The Rolettes Showband from Bagenalstown. A Blast from the past . . . The Rolettes were very popular on the local circuit in the ‘50 and ‘60s. From Mick O’Toole’s extensive collection. http://www.irishshowbands.net/index_show.htm
The Presidents Showband from Carlow c.1970. Source: eBay seller	‎''The Three Amigos''  Maurice Nolan, Tony Sullivan and Jim Lawler - in there rocking years.... Photo & Info provided by Michelle Lawler & Jacqui Hynes	Gerry and The Presidents Showband c.1970's  from Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. Image contributed by the Fitzpatrick Family to www.Irish-Showbands.com