40 Years ago the Ballyshannon Band played on

Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band on St. Patrick's Day 1979 in Sligo

Remembering the Ballyshannon Band of 40 years ago, in its nice new blazers, happy days, good music, absent friends and many family ties. Four of the members of this band still play in Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band today.  The band has a proud history extending back to playing for Charles Stuart Parnell in the 1880s and is the oldest surviving band in County Donegal. Take a trip down memory lane in this blog.

Front Row: (l.to r.)

Padraig McGarrigle joined the band in De La Salle around 1960

Danny McGeever joined the  band in De La Salle around 1960

Seamus Gallagher (r.i.p.) trombone player whose father Jimmy Gallagher played side-drums in 1929

Bob Gallagher (r.i.p.) played with his brother Jim in the 1940s and their father Jack also played in the band. 

Second Row: (l.to r.)

Jack Grimes (r.i.p.) played cornet in the band

Packie Gallagher (r.i.p.) played alongside his brothers Francis and Tom and Eddie  in the band

Jimmy Rafferty nephew of Seamus Gallagher still plays in the band 

Francis Gallagher (r.i.p.) played side drums like his father Willie Gallagher 

Tom Gallager the longest serving member of the Band who joined in 1943 and played in a group with Danny Gallagher, father of rock musician Rory Gallagher. His children all played in the band.

Anthony Begley joined in De La Salle 1961 and still playing.

James Hoey (r.i.p.) Cornet player and Band leader played with his brothers Bobby and Paddy and his children. James played in the group with Rory Gallagher's father.

Third Row: (l.to r.)

Mickie Gallagher (r.i.p.) a life long and versatile  band member whose sons played in the band.

Fergus Lawlor joined in De La Salle and still playing in the band

Michael Dalton played euphonium in the band 

P.J. Goan (r.i.p.) Considered by many the most talented musician the band produced.

Jim Gallagher (r.i.p.) his father Hughie played in the famous Ballyshannon Band conducted by Mr. Eldon in the early 1900s.

Fourth Row (l.to r.) 

Eamon Gallagher (r.i.p.) followed his father Tommy into the band

Cecil Stephens (r.i.p.) His father was conductor of the band and grandfather a founding member.

Michael Gallagher Band leader today and instructs new members

Eugene McLoughlin (r.i.p.) his son Eugene plays in the band in 2019.

John McGahern (r.i.p.)  Joined the band in De La Salle. The band played recently at John's funeral in 2019. His father Pat and uncle John  played in the band .

A  Local History Book suitable for those at Home and Away

"Ballyshannon. Genealogy and History" reveals newly researched history and genealogy of the town, extending as far as the Rossnowlagh, Cashelard, Corlea, Clyhore, Higginstown and Finner areas. Includes the parishes of Kilbarron and Magh Ene. It contains the full story of  The Green Lady which  was  performed in Ballyshannon  to great acclaim. The genealogy material provides detailed guidelines for anyone tracing their roots in the area or anywhere in County Donegal or Ireland. The book contains 500 pages and is richly illustrated with stunning colour, aerial photography, original illustrations and rare photographs of the area not seen before. 

Available in  A Novel Idea and Local Hands in Ballyshannon and 4 Masters Bookshop Donegal Town. Also available from Anthony Begley for postal enquiries email anthonyrbegley@hotmail.com

Check out lots of local stories by clicking in the blog archive to the right of this post