Ledger of Mayo's famous Stephen Garvey Showband to go on public display

A LEDGER recording the engagements of the Stephen Garvey Showband from 1946 to 1957 has been presented to the Mayo County Library.

The presenation was made today to Austin Vaughan, county librarian, by Alan Aston, a great grandnephew of the famous Castlebar musical maestro, impressario, producer, director and composer who was born in Castle Street in September 1902.

The ledger contains fascinating details of where the band played over the 11-year period as well as details on band members.

Mr. Vaughan thanked Mr. Aston for his gesture, adding many people throughtout Mayo will be interested in viewing the ledger when it is put on public display shortly.

Stephen Garvey was widely regarded as a musical genius of his generation, a man who brought immense joy and happiness to thousands of dance and concert goers over many years across the country.

A plaque marks his birthplace at Castle Street while a street in the town, Stephen Garvey Way, is named in his honour.