Born at Letterkenny, Co. Donegal , IRELAND. in 1948.
 John Baird grew up with the sights and sounds of coastal shipping,
discharging cargoes at the local Port of Letterkenny.
He started drawing and sketching these vessels when he was 10 yrs old,
and as he gained more expertise . and technique in this media,
 his work understandably found its way into many private collections of shipping people.
 Having spent some time sailing on coasters, this self taught artist knows only too
 well, the ins and outs of coastal ships and their workings, thus showing his special attention to detail.
 Having had numerous exhibitions, his pen and ink drawings are much sought after works for private collections.
 Married to Jane,with one son Jonathan, his hobbies are sport , mainly soccer and rallying motorsport,
He is also highly  interested in Irish Showband Music, which  played a big part in the music scene
 in the Ireland of the 60,s
 

John Baird  Artist
 Drumnahoe, Letterkenny, Co Donegal  Ireland
Tel: 074 91 22838   bairdart@iol.ie

 Baird Art

Burndale B&B is a superb, ideally situated luxury accommodation just
a few yards from the main road into Letterkenny.
Marie and  Freddie Wilkie reserve a special cheerful Donegal welcome to their visitors.
Burndale B&B is decorated with a traditional flavour and modern furnishings.
The house is set back from The road with views over the countryside beyond the town.
Burndale is ideal if you want accommodation within easy reach of a town centre
yet offering the peace and tranquility of a Donegal holiday.

Jan 9th  2008
Showband concert hosted by George Jones
at the Millenium Forum Derry
A brilliant show

Taken in Da Vinci,s Derry at the Derry Jazz Festival  May 2004
 Standing from Left: John Deehan (Canucks Jazzband and ex Sax Player with
The Magnificent 7 Showband, Derry). Dennis Eccles (Ex Sax/Clar. Rythm Boys,Buncrana),
John Merrick,(Trumpet , ex Michael Galbraith Showband and now playing in the
Black Magic Big Band , Galway)
Myself. and standing at right , Eamonn Cutliffe ,(Guitarist) The Syndicate, Buncrana)
 

 The organisers, L-R Willie Brogan, Ann Fahy and Jimmy Higgins
from the International ShowbandParamount Showband now a DJ on Galway Bay FM

In conjunction with the Tuam Arts Festival , a very successful exhibition of Showband Memorabilia
was on display in the Town Hall for a 5 day period from Wed,25 th, until Sun. the 29th. August.
Officially opened by Miko Kelly, manager of the legendary Johnny Flynn Showband, the emphasis was on the
Tuam Showbands, but also included memorabilia from all the Showband era Capitol, Royal , Mighty Avons etc.
This well attended exhibition attracted many visitors both from the Showband world and general public alike ,
and was hailed a resounding success by the Festival organisers.
It was expertly put together by Jimmy Higgins and Willie Brogan (ex Paramount Showband) members
and Ann Fahy from Galway. Well done you three!"
                                                    John Baird
 

Frankie Mc Bride and Sonny Knowles ( Earl Gill and Pacific)
when they took part in a recent concert in Letterkenny

Tuam Brass Band where many a fine Showband Musician
 started his musical career.
 In the centre is Danny Kelly Sen. who was the Bandmaster.

"This is an original handout of the Bandits Showband. Tuam,.
As you can see by the photo it is well worn with age , and often looked at with fond memories.
It has not been enhanced , cloned or the caption altered in anyway. It"has been borrowed" not from any other website , but from Willie Brogan who was a member of that band.and like all of the photographs on this website ,
I am very greatful to the many people who loaned me their
Showband Photos  to scan for Ian,s Website and it alone
My greatful thanks to you all"
John Baird
 

Showband Articles

The Nightingale Orchestra Tuam,(Probably the first Danceband in the Town

The Al O,Dea Band,Tuam

Borderland Ballroom, Muff, Co, Donegal

From  John Bairds collection
     bairdart@iol.ie
 

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