My own earliest memories of music in Skehana were my own grandparents listening to Radio Eireann and to local Musicians such as Mick Finnerty, Walter Costello, Martin & Tommie Scanlon, (all now gone to their eternal rewards), who were recorded several times in Costello's Pub, Skehana, for a progrmme called "Ceolta Tire" with Ciaran MacMachunna and his wife, Dolly McMahon. There were many early recordings for radio made in Skehana in the 1950's and early 1960's for such programmes as, "Ceolta Tire", and "Ceílí House" (Then presented by Tuam man, Séan Ó'Murrachu).
My next memories are the twice yearly plays and concerts which were put on in "the old school" by the then curate of Skehana, Fr. Tom Molloy. The artists who were most popular in these days were Musicians such as Tom Costello, the Late Seán Costello, P.J. Costello, James Costello, Patrick Finnerty, the Late D.J. Mullins (Cooloo), John Kelly (Caltra), Paddy Lynskey, P.J. McHugh. Fr. Molloy's long time friends, Rita and Sara Keane from Caherlistrane were also among the contributors who performed in many of these concerts which were organised to fund raise to clear parish debts which were incurred prior to his arrival here in 1964. He also was instrumental in starting the very popular Carnival which was run in Menlough for many years.
The Dunne Brothers from Cloonkeen-Abbert were probably the first to start a dance band in the parish in the late 1950's and early 1960's. In more recent times, another man from that village, Joe Skehll, has proved to be both a fine radio presenter and expert on the American Country Music Scene. Joe has proved himself as a popular and much listened presenter of the American Country Music Show on MWR FM Radio Station in Ballyhaunis. Joe has been an amature radio enthusist for many years and is now also an exceptionally tallented presenter on commercial radio.
In the early 1970's, I became involved in a local group which consisted of Paraic Crehan (Newbridge) on Guitar, John Madden (Menlough) on Drums, Paraic Jordan (Colemanstown) on Guitar and Vocals and myself on Organ and Vocals.. Due to our inexperience and the times that were in it at that time we were not destined for a long future. With a combination of the wrong type of material and inexperience with ampliication, we were known to have sent the odd punter to another venue.
Paraic Crehan later went on to play with such popular Showbands as The Magic Band, Linda Martin & Chips, to name but a few, He is still involved in the Music Scene in Galway City. Paraic Jordan & John Madden are no longer in the Music Scene but Paraic's Family have a Family Group on the road at present. Also living for some years now in our parish in Menlough is Aidan Reade who has converted the old Garda Station beside Menlough Church into a modern Recording Studio.
I, myself, have been involved in the Music Scene over the years and have played with various bands and musicians during this time, a few of which you can see and view in the page entitled Music & Me. I have also been involved in several recordings and have worked as a session musician on other recordings. I feel lucky to have been part of that great body of mobile bands and mucisians that criss-crossed the countryside when the scene here was busy and alive. I have some wonderful memories and have made many wonderful friends, some of whom have gone on to be household names across the world and , indeed, many more living in far away places throughout the world. I even notice some are catching up with me through finding this site and I have re-kindled the communication with quiet a few of guys and girls that are now abroad such as Philip Smyth, Kim Newport, Gerry Gallagher, Dave Moynaghan, Aileen Cantwell to name but a few. I've also, as a photographer, done many album covers for various musicians and artists - one that springs to mind would be a very well known Scottish singer/songwriter called Isla Grant. Isla does all her recording here in Co Galway in Greenfields Studios, Claren, Headford. Her record producer is my "old" friend, Tony Maher and through him I got to know Isla and got the opportunity to work with her. Of course her husband, Al Grant, is now very popular here in Ireland also.
During our time on the road we also have had our share of "disasters" as any band or musician will tell you, breakdowns, heaters in vans not working, turning up at cancelled venues that did not bother to inform the band, freezing halls and lounges, band members failing to turn up, etc. etc. etc. but a lot of fun and enjoyment was had also. It was hard work also and the travelling late at night and the bad weather in the dead of winter was sometimes dangerous and difficult. As in all walks of life, some great friends have gone on to their eternal reward and names such as Mike Keane, Kieran Murphy, Joe Conway (Gary Street), Carla Smythe, Tony Treacy, Don Allen, Gerry Walsh & Francie Higging spring to mind. I worked closely with these at various times during the years and, indeed, took to the stage with most of them and worked on local radio with the great Don Allen.
Carla Smythe, whom I got to know so well during 1974/1975 through her brother Philip, especially comes to mind. Carla was a talented keyboard player who really never performed much with any band but she took me in hand and taught me many licks & tricks on the piano that I still use to this day. She was so full of life's joys and enjoyed every moment as if she knew she would only be here for a short while. A beautiful girl with an abundance of talent .... she was destined to pass away at the very young age of 32 from MS. Carla, I dedicate this page to your memory, to your great friendship, your wonderful talent, that laughter that was distinctly you, the pranks you pulled on me and so many un-suspecting victims, the Cavan accent and especially that last party night before you left for London in 1975 !
Rest in Peace We'll alway remember you !
