Details: Cal O’Callaghan.
Credit: The music of Sliabh Luachra website. Link.
The Castle Ceilí Band
About
“The original band was formed in 1959 by pupils of Drimnagh Castle Christian Brothers School, hence the name. The band lapsed for a very short period. The Castle Céilí Band was revived when an opportunity arose for Seán Keane, James Keane and Mick O’Connor to play with the Kincora Céilí Band in Conarchy’s Ballroom, Parnell Square, Dublin, c. 1962. Mick O’Connor invited other musicians to join the band.
The Band were winners of the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band Competition at Thurles, 1965. They were also winners of the Oireachtas Céilí Band Competition on 4 occasions. The members included such notables as fiddle players as: Seán Keane, John Dwyer, John Kelly, Joe Ryan, and Liam Rowsome.
The remainder of the band consisted of flute players: Mick O’Connor (leader) and Michael Tubridy; Seán Keane’s younger brother James played the accordion, Benny Carey (drums) and Bridie Lafferty (piano).
Details: The Castle Ceilí Band. L-R: Joe Ryan, Benny Carey, Seán Keane, Paddy O’Brien, Bridie Lafferty, John Kelly Senior, Michael Tubridy, Mick O’Connor, John Dwyer. Date: 1962. Location: Francis Xavier Hall, Dublin. Credit: From Mick O’Connor’s personal collection.
Over the years different personnel joined the band. Amongst them were: Donal Staunton (banjo), John Brennan (flute), Michael Hand (flute and piano), Tony Mac Mahon (accordion), Mícheál Ó hAlmhain (flute), Paddy O’Brien (accordion), Kathleen and John Nesbitt (fiddle and accordion), Charlie Lennon (fiddle and piano) and Rosemary O’Connor (Mick’s sister on fiddle). Other persons who have filled in latter years at special commemorative occasions included: John Kelly (junior) and Liam O’Connor on fiddles.
As céilí dancing declined in Dublin in the late 1960s, members of the band became involved with cabaret and pub music while Seán Keane, Michael Tubridy and John Kelly were playing with Ceoltóiri Chulann. At a latter stage, Seán Keane and Michael Tubridy became members of the Chieftains.”
With thanks to Mick O’Connor who wrote this in September 2019.
Photos
Details: Front cover of “The Casle Ceilí Band” album.
Details: Back cover of “The Casle Ceilí Band” album.
Video
John talking about the Castle Céilí Band
“I was going to ask you joe about the time you came back from London
You teams up with up with the castle band
It w
We had a great few years together
Clare Longford
Kerry
We won the oireachteas and the all Ireland and everything
Enniscorthy
Audio
Castle Céilí Band playing Reels, John Brennan's, Mrs. Crehan's, Mrs. Crotty's.
Details: Date: 1968. Location: Bridie Lafferty’s House, Homefarm Road, Glasnevin, Dublin.
Credit: Rebroadcast on “Sounds Traditional” programme on RTÉ Radio 1.
Audio
Peter Browne interviewing Mick O'Connor about the Castle Ceilí Band
Detail: Peter Browne interviewing Mick O’Connor. Date: 1991.
Credit: RTÉ Radio.
Audio
Castle Céilí Band playing Reels, John Brennan's, Mrs. Crehan's, Mrs. Crotty's.
Details: Location: Bridie Lafferty’s house, Homefarm Road, Dublin.
Credit: From Mick O’Connor’s personal collection.
Musical Connections
Musical Context
The Castle Ceilí Band
Share project
