mikemulvihill

Showband & Ballroom Show Part 2 (December 2020)

On this second show, I speak with Stephen Travers who will share details on travelling to the gigs around the country to play, Shaun O' Dowd will also talk to me about his band Ding a ling, and what the band did day in day out. We will hear a story from John James Gilmartin and the transport he and his friends used to get to and from a dance. We also hear from those I spoke to and memories of the tragic year 1975. Evelynn McCabe talks to me about Radio Caroline and a Leitrim connection, while Shaun O' Dowd shares details about the big crowds he played to from 1979 to 1981/82, and we cover so much more in this second show. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss future shows. Thanks for listening and why not share my work with your friends.

Showband & Ballroom Show Part 1 (December 2020)

On this first show, I speak with Stephen Travers of the Miami Showband and Shaun O' Dowd (Ding a ling). The story begins with John Flynn from Leitrim Village talking to me about Dancing at the crossroads, while Evelynn McCabe from Jamestown recalls dancing at Cox Crossroads at a festival run by Shaun O' Dowds family. I also speak to John James Gilmartin and Hubie Reynolds who recall going out in Fenaghville or the Ivy Leaf as it was also known in later days, and Hubie shares some information on Patsy Conboy who built the venue and dances which happened during lent. We also get more details about the moving stage, and Noel McPartland will talk to me about his uncle's hall in Drumshanbo (Dohertys Hall) and Noel shares the famous Wallflower story. Helen Toolan recalls her dancing days to Brendan Bowyer (Brendan who sadly passed away in 2020) and Ellen from Drumshanbo talks about her days going to The Leaf and the Mayflower. This show captures memories from a time when people dances in houses to and at crossroads, then later in parish halls, or ballrooms and so much more. Don't forget to share this story where possible on other social media pages. I hope you enjoy this show and be sure to look out for part two and future shows.