1957: before the Hucklebuck

■ Sir — the recent passing of Brendan Bowyer made me reminisce about one particular yesterday, a great many yesterdays ago...

I had the pleasure to dance to Brendan and the Royal Showband at their very first gig in Mayo. They performed at Walsh’s Ballroom in Charlestown, Co Mayo, in 1957 — and I was smitten by their performance.

I knew they were going to make it into the big time.

Their next local appearance, four months down the road, was The Eclipse Ballroom in

Ballyhaunis. I persuaded my two neighbours to make the journey. I did mention to my friends there may be a queue. And there was.

My friend Aidan remarked that it must be for the cinema so we walked past everyone, right up to the entrance.

The man at the door challenged us. “Where are youse going lads?”

“To the dance,” we replied. “Do you not see the queue? Go back to the end and ye can start there.”

Of course we made our way to the nearest bar. After a few pints we were ready — and the queue had diminished a bit.

The performance by The Royal was breath-taking. The excitement was fever pitch.

My other neighbour had just launched his own band on the road and had previously met the proprietor of the dance hall, so after the encore we got the nod to go backstage to meet the group —a memorable moment.

The Royal were so friendly, particularly the late Brendan. May he rest in peace.

Michael Walsh,

Malahide, Co Dublin