Famed Kilkenny showband musician Tom Dullard has died

A well known Kilkennyman, famed as a lead guitarist with showband the Black Aces, Tom Dullard, has died.

Tom, of Thomas Square, Kilkenny, and late of Knocknew, Ballyfoyle,  passed away peacefully on Monday, February 20, in the care of Archersrath Nursing Home. 

As a member of the Black Aces, and later the Brass Menagerie, Tom was well known in Kilkenny and beyond. The Black Aces was founded by a group of school friends in the old De La Salle school, Patrick Street, in 1957. There were some changes to the lineup over the years, and Tom joined as lead guitarist when Val Reynolds left.

Along with hugely popular gigs, the Black Aces released several singles that made the Irish Top 20 - 'Serenade of the Bells' and 'Just tell her Jim said hello.' They also appeared on RTE shows like the 17 Club and the Showband Show. 

Tom went on to join the Brass Menagerie when the Black Aces broke up in 1972, the badn for which he might be even more well known in Kilkenny.

Tom Dullard is probably best known for his appearances with Brass Menagerie.

Tom was interested in music from very early age. He got his first guitar at 15 years of age and learned a few chords. He subsequently joined The Black Aces Showband playing rhythm guitar. He loved the sound created by the brass section and bought a trombone and learned to read music.

Having mastered the art of trombone playing Tom then started up a the big band Brass Menagerie . The band were in huge demand for all sorts of functions and the dance floors would be packed with people enjoying the energy of the band.

When St Canice’s Co-Ed won an AIB Better Ireland Award to set up a Brass Programme in the school Tom came on board as a volunteer teacher. Together with the late Jim Cantwell, Charlie Parsons and Joe Dowling they got the show on the road.

He went on to teach saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass guitar players and drummers to play in a band. 

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Tom was predeceased by his loving wife Mairéad, their infant son Thomas John and Tom's brother Nicky. He will be sadly missed by his children Ronan, Sharon and Michelle, sister Maria, grandchildren Declan, Kevin, Mark, Abi, Lee, Ava and Emma, great-granddaughter Molly, Ronan's partner Pamela, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and his wide circle of friends especially in the music world.

Tom's funeral took place on Friday and he was laid to rest at  Foulkstown Cemetery. May he rest in peace.