Big Tom’s show

Big Tom for final TF show

Michael Commins

BIG Tom and The Mainliners look set to play the final dance in the old Royal Ballroom and Theatre in Castlebar. Following their two sell-out shows at the venue earlier this month, Big Tom and his band have been given the honour of playing the last show in the old ballroom before it will be demolished to make way for a brand new complex. It is expected that the dance show will be confirmed for Easter Monday night, March 24.
A major new multi-million euro development is being planned for the site and work is expected to get under way on the project in April. It is hoped to complete the project inside the next few months.
The Royal Ballroom was established by Paddy Jennings from Islandeady in the 1960s and went on to attain legendary status all over the country. For many years, it has been operated by his son Pat and his wife Mary. The theatre was developed in more recent years.
The venue has played host to some of the biggest names in the entertainment scene, not just here at home, but also from the international circuit. Among the American country legends who played there were Johnny Cash, Charley Pride, Buck Owens, Slim Whitman, Hank Locklin and Ricky Skaggs.
Numerous touring acts from the pop scene have also graced the venue such as Shane MacGowan, Smokey, Showaddywaddy, Shakin’ Stevens, Rebecca Storm, to mention but a few. Don McLean, Val Doonican, the Clancy Brothers and Christy Moore, have all performed on the stage.
The biggest names from the Irish circuit were all in the Royal Ballroom at the Traveller’s Friend Hotel over the years. Big Tom, Joe Dolan, Brendan Bowyer, Daniel O’Donnell, Brendan Grace, Johnny McEvoy, Dickie Rock, Margo O’Donnell, Phil Begley, The Dixies, Royal Blues, Clipper Carlton were among those to entertain the thousands down through the years.
The venue was also the home of the Castlebar International Song Contest, which was hosted by Mike Murphy and was a major television attraction at the time.
It is expected that details in relation to the gala farewell dance with Big Tom and The Mainliners will be announced this week.