PICTURES: Can you recall these ten famous Kilkenny bands?

The Kentones were founded in November, 1963, with their first engagement on the following New Year's night, January 1, 1964, in the Carlton Ballroom. The original members included Michael Larkin, John Bolger, Kevin Delaney, Michael Drennan, Sean Kelly, Michael O'Shaughnessy, the late Paddy O'Keeffe and the late Tommy Donnelly (father of Jimmy). Their manager was the late Charlie Smyth from Stephens Street.

Following a successful performance in Listowel, Co. Kerry, The Kentones secured a deal with Associated Ballrooms enabling them to perform in most of the major venues throughout Ireland. They also appeared on Ulster Television's showband programme, "Around About Seven", which gained them well-deserved promotion.

A semi-professional band, The Kentones were very popular wherever they went but especially here in Kilkenny. Throughout their career other notable singers/musicians who joined The Kentones included brothers Michael and Leo Phelan, Michael Morrissey, Jimmy Donnelly, Mally Shields, Fergie Hogan, Dave Prim, Michael "Mog" O'Grady, Pat Fanning and the legendary Billy Murphy, one of the best-known entertainers in Kilkenny, whose career was launched as a member of the Astronauts.