The Richard Fitzgerald Ceili Band
(As remembered by Mike Mearns)

Mike wrote . . . "This prompted me to look through my music collection (it even includes vinyl LPs and 45s!). I came up with a tape of the Richard Fitzgerald Ceili Band that I picked up while on holiday in Ireland in 1993. It is a reunion of the old band.

Now, at Blacklion in 1960 Kevin O'Mahoney and some of the other Profs had befriended the band members. They were from Bundoran, Co. Donegal, which was about 30 miles from the College (just on the edge of the daily biking limit for a day off). Well the band came out to Blacklion and gave a performance. They played jigs, reels, waltzes and marches. Kathleen Fitzgerald, Richard's sister, sang with the band. Their big hit was a sentimental little ditty entitled "Beautiful Bundoran" ("by the silvery sea").

They came a number of times during my sojourn by the Lough, and it was always a terrific evening.

Anyway, back to the tape; I put it in the mail this morning, hoping it will reach you in time for the trip North* so that you can play it for the guys of my era. It will bring back memories and maybe the odd tear.

*The Dryburgh Reunion 2003

After I left the WFs, I saw the band in London a few times. they played at the Irish clubs in London eg The Galtymore in Tottenham Court Road and The Shamrock at Elephant & Castle. I even went to Richard's wedding in Cavan, he married Peggy who worked in London for PanAm but came from Kiltyclogher (and here the story comes full circle).

I arrived the day before the wedding in Dublin, where there was a national bus strike on. Nicky* saved the day by taking me on his motorbike to Navan, where I picked up another arranged ride on to the wedding. Nicky's bike was a ****** (pig) to start and I spent several strenuous minutes pushing it ( and him ) up and down the back alley until she fired and started."

*is this your Nicky Kendellen ?

In the meantime I have found a mention of Richard’s band on the following site :

http://donegal.local.ie/general/newsletter/archives/issue91.shtml

Here is the extract :

“DONEGAL DOMAIN Issue 91, January 15th 2001

ONE NIGHT STAND
Taking the bandstand in the home town of Bundoran on the 20th is the Fitzgerald Ceili Band. Richard, Barney and Kathleen with Noel Meehan are coming together for this one night of nostalgia.

The Fitzgerald Ceili Band was known throughout Ireland and the U.K in the 1950s, 60s and 70s and made several tours in the U.S also. They were frequent performers on both Radio Eireann and the B.B.C. It promises to be a great night of music, dancing and reminiscing.”

ALSO you can buy an LP of the Richard Fitzgerald Ceili Band (Marble Arch Label) for £6.00 from :
http://www.some-like-it-hotter.co.uk/results.phtml?artist=RICHARD%20FITZGERALD%20CEILI%20BAND

It’s in excellent condition, apparently— more than can be said of those of us who can remember the band.

Danny O'Hagan writes : "I've just read Mick's story about the Richard Fitzgerald Ceili Band and the Beautiful Bundoran track. I've been looking for this for years so if you can let me have a copy I'd be eternally grateful. There were a few of us went to Dublin to sing the backing track on that record. I remember Charlie Bingham, Larry Shine and Nick Kendellen (I think) and remember the mini bus stopping outside a pub in the middle of Ireland so the WF's could go in for a pint. They had the good grace to bring us out a bottle of beer if my memory serves me right. I've never heard the record though.

Good on you Mick. Can I have a copy too please! "

Eric Creaney writes : "I have a photo of one of the bass players with the Gallagher group in Blacklion. Big Mick did not mention the other song we did the backing for in Dublin: 'Evening in Mount Mellary'. I have been hunting for a copy of both these past ten years and have even visited shops in Bundoran and visited Mount Mellary Abbey but to no avail so I would very much appreciate a copy even by snail mail!"

Tony Smyth wrote (13th March 2004) :

Following the recent references to the Richard Fitzgerald Ceilhi Band I thought I'd dig out the attached. Included are the band's promo 'postcard' which in this case is signed by all members. The third photo is one that I took when the band were appearing in the Newcastle area in 1969/70. After Blacklion I went to see the band quite regularly when they played in the Newcastle area; about 2 or 3 times a year.

(source : Tony Smyth)

The band's promo postcard.
L - R : Barney Fitzgerald, Sean Gallagher, Richard Fitzgerald, George McKane, Noel Meehan.




(source : Tony Smyth)

The band member's signatures (including those who joined later)




(source : Tony Smyth)

The band performing in the Newcastle area, 1969 /70

Links found 24/3/04 :

http://www.jivenaires.com/scrapbook/Mystics_of_Boyle.html

http://www.outlet-music.com/search/details.asp?info=Emm7021906

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