PICTURES: Can you recall these ten famous Kilkenny bands?

Formed in 1963, The Thunderbirds were the first four-piece band in the South East - their music ranging from rhythm 'n' blues to country and western. The members were Pakie Dwyer (lead guitar), Gerry Flynn (rhythm guitar/vocals), Pat Fanning (drums) and Terry Kelly (bass guitar). Terry, from St. Patrick's Close, died on Friday, September 25, 1992. They were managed by Roy Esmonde, who later became a photographer for Spotlight magazine and a producer for R.T.E.

The Thunderbirds were a young band ranging in age from 15-22 and played their own versions of Beatles songs back in 1963, the year the Beatles themselves had arrived on the music scene in Britain. The Thunderbirds proved very popular here in Kilkenny and they later performed at various venues throughout Ireland very successfully as it was difficult to get bookings for a four-piece band at the time. They also played as relief band for many top showbands, before they disbanded in 1964.