Band re- union after 50 years

Nostaligia was in the air last Thursday in Sligo as members of a 1960’ s band got together for the first time in 50 years!

Pictured above is the St Mary’s band who originated out of the St Mary’s school band on The Mall which no longer exists.

Tommy Higgins, John Bray, Padraic McManus and Padraic Fox are pictured at Riverside.( missing is Andy Healy who is now living in Boston).

The black and white photo was taken in April 1966 at the Silver Sandal Ballroom in Ennniskillen which was owned at the time by the late Sean Byrne from Strandhill.

The Sandal was blown up in the Northern Ireland troubles.

Tommy recalled: “We were all teenagers at the time. The band was very popular playing all over the West and beyond.

“I still have the diary from 1966 and I see we played 18 out of 31 nights in January 1966.... I suppose a good result for a part- time band.

“The band changed personnel over the years due to school, work, emigration and other commitments.

“On many occasions, we tried to meet up but nobody was ever around at the same time.

“However, on Thursday last, for the first time in 50 years, the four of us met up since the black and white photo was taken.

“A lot of stories were trotted out!”