The Kings Showband  ( Naas)
 Many well known “ Country Showbands “ such as the Ramblin Men, evolved out of well known Ceili bands,
but one of the best known Ceili outfits on the scene , namely the Gallowglass Ceili band
were instrumental in the formation of the Kings Showband.
Pat McGarr who was leader of the Gallowglass decided to form this excellent band back in 1963.

   Appointing himself as manager and with a good musical foundation behind him, McGarr soon set about recruting some of the country,s finest musicians. Donegal brothers Brendan and Vincent McEnhill,
Brendan playing Sax./Clarinet, and Vincent later to become known as “ Prince Vince” on Bass guitar and vocals were joined by Billy Dempsey (Trumpet), Tommy Lundy (Guitar), Barry Cluskey (Sax.) Pat Braiden (Vocals). Tommy Fitzpatrick (Guitar) and drummer and bandleader Ronnie Reynolds.
It was not long before the Kings became one of the best known and well supported bands on the dancehall circuit, playing all the top chart hits and also included a wide variety of music in their dancing programme.
Tours of England and the USA were followed by numerous TV and radio broadcasts at home and although
Pat Braiden was the recognised Vocalist in the band , it was as

Frankie McEnhill
“ Prince Vince and the Kings “
that they were so widely known and it was the Donegal man that was featured
on their recorded singles , the A sides entitled, “He,ll only Hurt You “,
“ Beautiful Dreamer” and “ Amy “.

    They played support to many visiting artists the most famous of these being Jerry Lee Lewis, a tour that turned out to be a great experience for the Nass outfit. They also supported  Bill Haley, Chubby Checker and
Hank Locklin when they toured Ireland, but it was on the home ballroom circuit that they were at their brilliant best. There were a few changes in their ranks towards the end of their days as a showband. Dusty Young (Trom.) Des Hopkins (Drums) his brother Billy (Guitar ) and Reg Dunne (Guitar) replaced members who had moved on.
When Butch Moore left the Capitol showband in 1967 to pursue a solo career it was decided by his management that he should do guest spots with the Kings at selected dates which
sadly for both parties concerned, did not work out.

    Other well known musicians to play with the Naas showband up until they finished in 1970 were: Pauric Potter, Brian O, Brien and John McDermott.. Brendan McEnhill went to England where he continued on in the music business as did his brother Vince , who became an entertainments manager with a top London Hotel. Tommy Lundy has his own TV business in Dublin, Dusty Young is a comedian on the English cabaret circuit and
Ronnie Reynolds lives in Waterford, where his son Alan was player manager of Waterford Utd. F.C., a season or two ago. Barry Cluskey and Des Hopkins continue with the successful Hopkins/ Cluskey Jazzband carrying on the great tradition of music that eminated from bands such as the Kings Showband.

John Baird

Left to right. Pat Braiden singer.Tommy Fitzpatrick Lead Guitar.
Billy Dempsey Trumpeter who I replaced.
Prince Vince real name Frankie McEnhill Bass Guitar.
Barry Cluskey Tenor Sax. Tommy Lundy Rhythm Guitar.
Brendan McEnhill Alto Sax and brother of Frankie.
In front Ronnie Reynolds Drummer and leader.
Dusty Young

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Dusty Young
The Worlds Favourite Irish Comedian'
dusty@jocar.freeserve.co.uk

As you can see from my Website I now do all the Irish jokes tapes and
they are very popular both in England and in Ireland where you find them
in shops from Donegal down to Kerry.

Kings Showband
Nass Co Kildare
The line up in this picture is the same as
the other one except that I am in the band instead of Billy Dempsey but
all the other names are the same. A big change came when
Prince Vince, Tommy Fitzpatrick, and I left the band. I went to Belfast to live and
joined The Walter Lewis Band from Dunloy and then the Jimmy Johnston Band from
Lisburn and then Dave Glover for a few months before coming over to England
with what had been The Witnesses Showband. When they split I then went into
comedy and am still doing it. For a while The Kings had Eamonn who is
with the Dubliners (the one with the frizzy hair) and then they brought in
Butch Moore who had left the Capitol Showband and he stayed with The Kings
until he went to live in America.
Dusty Young
 

The Kings Showband, based in Naas, Co, Kildare, started in 1963,
They were managed by Pat  McGarr, leader of the famous Gallowglass Ceili Band,
 

Barry Cluskey is one of Europe’s top jazz saxophonists.
He was born in Drogheda Co. Louth. He first started playing when he was thirteen years old
inheriting the musical talents of his late father Jack.
He began playing professionally with Paddy Kearns & The Boyne Valley Stompers.
Later The Kings Showband and they toured America & Britain.
During this time they supported big names of the day like
Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis & Little Richard.
Throughout the years he has toured extensively in Ireland,
the UK and mainland Europe at some of the most prestigious jazz festivals.
Link

Photos from John Bairds collection
    bairdart@iol.ie

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