1.
The success of the local close harmony group, The Tumbleweeds, has been attributed to their great love of singing. Having changed their name from the "Rhythm Boys" in the mid-1950's, they were extremely popular with all sections of the community. Formed under the guidance of the late Fr. Andy Walsh, Adm. in St. Patrick's for many years, they performed regularly in St. Patrick's Boys Club. It was at one of their concerts in the club that they introduced The Black Aces skiffle group to the general public. They also broadcast twice on the then popular R.T.E. Radio series, "Follow The Festivals" and were always available for charity functions in the city and county, giving their services free to any worthwhile cause. The present line-up is: Sean Dooley, Seán O'Dwyer, and brothers Jim and Dixie Bateman. Musicians are Pakie O'Dwyer and Billy Brennan. Through the years the line-up also included other singers/musicians, notably Tom Dooley, Matty Dermody, Frank Delaney, Jack and Joe Bradley, Jimmy Saunders and Luke Bateman. Now in the twilight of their singing careers, The Tumbleweeds are as enthusiastic as ever and still harbour a great love of singing.
2.
Formed in 1963, The Thunderbirds were the first four-piece band in the South East - their music ranging from rhythm 'n' blues to country and western. The members were Pakie Dwyer (lead guitar), Gerry Flynn (rhythm guitar/vocals), Pat Fanning (drums) and Terry Kelly (bass guitar). Terry, from St. Patrick's Close, died on Friday, September 25, 1992. They were managed by Roy Esmonde, who later became a photographer for Spotlight magazine and a producer for R.T.E. The Thunderbirds were a young band ranging in age from 15-22 and played their own versions of Beatles songs back in 1963, the year the Beatles themselves had arrived on the music scene in Britain. The Thunderbirds proved very popular here in Kilkenny and they later performed at various venues throughout Ireland very successfully as it was difficult to get bookings for a four-piece band at the time. They also played as relief band for many top showbands, before they disbanded in 1964.
3.
One of the most popular and successful bands in Kilkenny, The Aces, were formed in 1972. Previously known as The Four Aces, the members were Noel Power (vocals), Liam Drennan (saxophone/clarinet), Pakie O'Dwyer (lead guitar) and John Joe Cantwell (drums). Billy Brennan later joined the band on bass guitar. During their career, despite various personnel changes, the Aces have achieved many successes. In 1973 they finished second in an R.T.E. Radio competition hosted by John Keogh. Four years later in 1977 they won a prize, having performed on "You're On", a music programme on Ulster Television, and in 1979 they appeared on the "Late Late Show". They have performed every Saturday night in the Springhill Hotel since the hotel opened almost 20 years ago - an excellent achievement. The Aces are: Noel Power, Liam Drennan, Pakie O'Dwyer, Jimmy Donnelly, Tony Coyne and Christy Comerford.
4.
The Swing Commandoes were formed in 1960 by Dave Murphy and the original line-up was: Paddy Dooley, Jim Cantwell, Phil Cantwell, Jimmy Lennon, Dermot Delaney, Liam Hehir, Kevin Barry and Jimmy Donnelly. They were together for four years, during which time they toured Britain twice, played in most counties in Ireland and performed regularly in the Carlton and Mayfair Ballrooms.