The band-the 'Noel Tuohy Radio Céilí Band' and later, Noel Tuohy and his All Stars-was chosen to appear on an ESB sponsored broadcast in the early days of RTÉ in 1961.

“We were lucky to get a spot and it was heard by Connoiseur Records. We made our first record the following year and made many other recordings all through the sixties and seventies. I also made some cassettes when they came out in the eighties. We played at bookings all over Ireland but we eventually got some in Limerick. We used to play at the Parkway Ballroom, where they had old time dancing.”

Noel has promoted traditional music and performed extensively abroad in the UK, America and Canada.

He added that in 1965, he took part in four broadcasts of 'Club Céilí' for RTÉ, presented by Sean Duignan. Last December, he released a DVD of two hours of the shows, which has now sold out.

The band also entered the All-Ireland Hohner Céilí Band Open Competition in 1963 and is the only band to win first prize from then until 1967.

Noel was recently invited to perform again at the Festival of Killorglin, or Puck Fair, and the festival website states that “in the 1960s and 70s ceili and street dancing around the stand to the music of Noel Tuohy and his All Stars was the highlight of evening entertainment at Puck…we are very proud to have this wonderful musician return to the festival”.

“The first time I played there was in 1964 and from then until 1979, we were resident for the three days every year. In May, the new committee got in touch and I was delighted when they asked me to come down this year. I'll be playing from 2pm on August 10 to help create a bit of atmosphere for the elevation of the goat.”

He now lives in Corbally but is originally from O'Curry Place, and though he left in 1950, he visited 'the block' every New Year's Eve to wish his former neighbours well until the year 2007.

He added that there was a great musical tradition and sense of community there.

“I love traditional music and it's still very strong. My own music isn't fully traditional. A mentor and idol of mine was the Scot, Jimmy Shand. His style was aimed at strict up-tempo playing, for dancing. I still play a lot of his music. You don't see many dances these days; it's mostly discos and you only see real ballroom dancing at functions. It's a shame but that's how times have changed. We used to have a great time at the old dances,” he said.

Noel also worked in Limerick Clothing Factory (Tait's) from 1946 to 1969 and taught the accordion from 1965 to 2000.

Noel said that one of his proudest moments was having his 50th musical anniversary celebration in Pery's Hotel two years ago.

“I was just supposed to play in the foyer for a few hours but it turned out to be packed. It was most enjoyable to be playing for people and there was a lot of dancing. I don't do as many performances as I used to; it's more for special occasions these days. Over the years, I spent a lot of time in front of audiences in Limerick and the people are really nice. We always got great support, which I'll remember and cherish.”

For more information, see www.puckfair.ie.

Name: Noel Tuohy.

Occupation: Musician.

Location: Corbally.

Favourite thing about Limerick: The people.

Worst thing about Limerick: Nothing!

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