PICTURES: Can you recall these ten famous Kilkenny bands?

It all began for the Fifth Degree back in the Summer of 1965 in the basement of Flannery's Hotel, Kilkenny's answer to Liverpool's Cavern Club, and still a very popular venue for good music almost 30 years later.

They got their name from Albert Lewis and were successfully managed by Eamon Langton. The original members were Joe Dunne (drums), Louis Keneally (lead guitar), Willie Maher (bass guitar/harmonica), Jim Kelly (rhythm guitar) and P.J. Finne- gan (vocals). They were later joined by John Travers on drums (who replaced Joe Dunne) and Pat Griffin on 12-string rhythm guitar (who replaced Jim Kelly).

Anna Maher, sister of Willie and now married to Jim Kelly, bought the bass guitar for Willie who played it during his entire Fifth Degree career, having forsaken his harmonica. Both Willie Maher and John Travers are first cousins. In 1966, the line-up was Andy, John, Willie, Louis, P.J. and popular Kilkenny People employee, Pat Griffin (with occasional "guest" appearance by Dave Prim).

Fifth Degree were together for four years, during which time they became one of Kilkenny's most successful groups, performing almost every weekend in the C.Y.M.S. hall, the Club House and in the Carlton and Mayfair ballrooms. They also won a talent contest in the Friary Hall and gave a few outdoor performances, as well as many other venues throughout the country.

They shared stages with many of the top showbands and rock groups of their time.

Their last performance together was on the television series "Like Now" hosted by Danny Hughes on January 19, 1969 - this date was also the 32nd birthday of Don.