Brendan Arnold of The Royal Blues dies in Dublin

Brendan Arnold, Glebemount, Wicklow Town, and formerly Downpatrick Road, Crumlin, Dublin, who died last week in the care of staff at St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, was a former member of the legendary Royal Blues Showband.

The Royal Blues were managed by Andy Creighton from Claremorris and became synonymous with Mayo, even though half of the band members were from Dublin. Frank and Vincent Gill were from Murneen, Claremorris, and the lead singers in the first two years were Doc Carroll (Mayo) and Shay O’Hara (Carlow).

Their recording of Old Man Trouble featuring Doc on vocals saw the Royal Blues become the first ever band from the West of Ireland to reach Number One in Ireland’s Top 20. They enjoyed a few great years as one of Ireland’s leading showbands and toured extensively in England and America where thousands flocked to see their shows.

Brendan (pictured) married Ann Grogan from Claremorris and they retained strong ties with the town down through the years.

With the passing of Brendan Arnold in recent days, Brian Carr and Bobby Smith are now the last surviving members of the famous and much loved showband. Shay O’Hara died in Australia, Doc Carroll in Athlone, Don Flanagan in Dublin (2024) and Frank and Vincent Gill in Dublin. (Vincent died during Christmas 2024).

The Royal Blues have always been associated with beautiful memories from those special times, and Nóirín Byrne from Claremorris captured it in a special way in her brief tribute. “Thinking tonight of you all landing on D’Alton Street for your holidays in Grogan’s, the excitement of seeing you arrive and the sparkle that you brought along with you. We had such fun together as children during those visits. Fond memories of times past when our little street was our whole world.”

Colm and Margaret Kitching revisited those special days: “We have fond memories of Brendan and Ann in D’Alton Street and the excitement and craic associated with the Royal Blues.”

Sean Carney, Dublin and Claremorris, was among those joining in the tributes. “Brendan was an active member of the famous Royal Blues showband, who gave us great pleasure in Claremorris in our early youth. We followed them everywhere.”

Reposing was at McCrea's Funeral Home, Wicklow Town, on Friday evening, with removal on Saturday to McCrea's Cremation Chapel for Cremation Service.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Ann, daughter Grushenka, son Julian and daughter-in-law Geraldine, his brothers Paul and Gerry, his sister Patty, extended family, relatives and friends.