Local Bands-past & present....

It seems there is no end to the variety of music available in Tournafulla. In fact it's almost as if the parish was never without a band of it's own.

The Fealesiders

Jim O'Connor & John Shanahan are the Fealesiders and they play on a regular basis in various locations for weddings, parties & special occasions.

Dreamy Melody

Dreamy Melody was a local dance band popular in the 20's & 30's. The band leader was Martin Ward from Knocknadiha who played fiddle. Other members were Bill Curtin-Knockulcare, Bill Harnett-Mountcollins, Daithin Davie Lenihan-Caherlevoy & Jack Ward-Knocknadiha. The band played  for "Cinderella" dances in the Limerick, Cork & Kerry area. Popular dances at the time included waltzes, foxtrots, tangos and set dances.

James Doody

James Doody from Tournafulla performed solo during the 70's through to the 90's all over the country for weddings, parties etc. James is a piano accordion player and was taught by Martin Ward. In 2000 James retired after having spent the most of 20 years in the business.

Michael Collins & Country Style

Michael Collins is from Knockanaire and has enjoyed huge success with his band. They play for weddings and other social events. They have released a C.D. and Michael has featured on many radio programmes and even hosted some for Galtee radio.

The Abbey Dance Band

The Abbey Dance band included Chris O'Connor, Petey Con O' Connor, Peter O'Connor & Jim O'Connor among others. They were very popular in the 60's and played for local dances.

The Meenahela Pipe Band

The first Meenahela pipe band was formed in 1920. The original members who are no longer with us included Daniel, Ned & Jack Fitzgerald, Johnny King, Stephen & Jim Barrett and Ned Barry. Over the years new members joined. The band played for Feiseannas, Matches and on St. Patrick's Day. It is believed that they rehearsed in the room over the cheese room in the creamery!

John D. Harnett

John Harnett was born in Tournafulla in 1908. Through out his life he formed various bands with different musicians and played for dances, weddings, wren parties and raffles. He was also a founding member of the Tournafulla wrenboys. Jack died in 1977 after a life time spent playing music.