No dancing was permitted anywhere during Lent or Advent. And since many of the halls were owned by the Catholic Church, the GAA, AOH or INF, such regulations were strictly enforced. Also, no alcohol was allowed on such premises.

But, by the early 60�s, came the singing pubs, along with dances and discos in hotels with a drinks licence. This sounded the death-knell for the �Ballrooms of Romance,� which either became derelict or were converted to other purposes, such as community centres.

Meanwhile, a young teacher from Jonesboro, Jim Aiken, - who would later stage four concerts in a month at the Point Depot in Dublin, featuring Paul Simon, Rod Stewart, Gloria Estefan and Tom Jones, - was starting a career as a promoter. Having studied for the priesthood at Maynooth, and realising that he did not have a vocation, he embarked on a career as a teacher, on the staff of a local primary school.

After nine years, during which he was involved with the local Gaelic football club, Jim discovered on New Year�s Eve, 1960, that he could make more money on a good gig than a year�s teaching. He had been drawn to organising concerts from an aptitude to running events in the Slieve Gullion region, everything from sports and plays to competitions of various kinds.

The first showband that he promoted was the Melody Aces, followed by the Royal Showband. Then, in the mid-60�s, big Jim launched a series of tours involving International stars, such as Roy Orbison, Rory Gallagher, Tom Jones, Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin.

But most memorable were the U2 concerts at Croke Park, and the Bruce Springstein concert at Slane in 1985. But catering for the Rolling Stones was a problem, since they demanded that champagne and fish in ice should be brought to their backstage �village.� And recently, of course, he was responsible for the historic Rod Stewart outdoor event at Stormont.

An avid Armagh GAA fan, Jim was ecstatic about the Orangemen�s triumph in bringing the Sam Maguire Cup to the Orchard County for the first time.

Now a pensioner, he said: �It�s a business that keeps itself fresh. It keeps you connected with youth, and the things that people are interested in.� And what this impresario likes about Ireland is �the scope of musical tastes, - everything from ballads and ceili music to rock, jazz and blues are appreciated.�

The present popularity of Irish music and song dates from the foundation of the Ring of Gullion branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in 1975. First chairman was John Campbell, with vice-chairman Jim Murphy; secretary Mary Gallagher, asst. sec. Mick Quinn; treasurer Peter McDonnell, with Art O�Neill as his assistant. The committee was Jim McCann, Bridie Leonard, Brian Quinn, Ethna Campbell, Peter Gallogly and Francie Quinn.

Two years later the first County Fleadh competitions were held at Mullabawn. This was followed by the branch�s involvement with the local Feis Aodh Rua Ui Domhnall, sponsoring medals, trophies and scholarships to the Gaelteacht. However, in 1979, the Welcome Home was badly damaged by a bomb explosion, and the branch moved to temporary headquarters at Forkhill INF Hall.

Over the years, the Ring of Gullion CCE has established a proud reputation for the promotion Irish music, culture and heritage. Among its dedicated members have been Louis McDonnell, Paschal McCaul, Jim Flynn, Arthur Carragher, Maura Smyth, the late Vincent Mulholland, J.P. Leonard and, of course, Mick Quinn.

Recent weeks have witnessed a demonstration of their success, especially at the Annual Slieve Gullion Traditional Singers Festival, involving 150 participants from Ireland and Britain. Among those featured at Ti Culainn were Stephanie Makem, granddaughter of the legendary Sarah Makem, Marie Kelleher, Patricia Flynn, Chris Moyles and the Inishowen Singers, as well as lectures and exhibitions.

And O�Hanlon�s pub hosts a wealth of talent at week-ends, with Irish musicians like Gerry, Michael and Philomena Quinn, Bernard O�Hanlon, Francie Kelly, Mick Kinnane, Justin Toner, Naoimh Gallagher, along with vocalists Patsy McGlade and Brian Quinn.

Incidentally, local resident, Len Graham, has been bestowed with the title of �National Traditional Singer of the Year.� Married to noted traditional singer, Padraigin Ni Uallachain, he has recorded over 12 albums, and has been the recipient of many awards in Ireland and abroad. Ken has been associated with many artists, including Dolores Keane, the Chieftains, Altan and De Danaan.

Finally, this tribute came from Louis McDonnell: �The lovely people, the array of musicians, and the great friends I had the privilege to have met over the years, has been an unforgettable part of my life. Thank God, the Ring of Gullion and the traditional music is still ticking over, and will continue to thrive.�

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