Ardellis Ceili Band

Ardellis Ceili Band 50th Anniversary CD - buy now at
www.ardellisceiliband.net
THE ARDELLIS CEILI BAND STORY (1957-2007)
The Ardellis Ceili Band was formed by Brian Lawler. The name is taken from the small townland approximately one mile from Fontstown, County Kildare where Brian spent his youth.
The band began broadcasting on Radio Eireann in 1957 and was one of the first to be featured on Sean O Murchu's famous 'Saturday Night Irish Dance Music' programme. That year they also won the 'Hohner All Ireland Accordian Ceili Band' competition.

In 1958, the ACB provided the Monday night music in the Irish Club in Dublin on a weekly basis, and following apprearances on the legendry Irish radio programme 'Take the Floor', the band were voted the 2nd most popular Ceili band in Ireland - a rare achievement for a band only 2 years old. This period was the golden era of Ceili Music and Dance as 100s of ceili band provided music for tens of thousands of ceili dancers in the 32 counties of Ireland.
Brian went to live in Cork city in 1964 where he re-established the band and was fortunate to be joined by some very talented local musicians.
Old time waltzes were part and parcel of the ceili scene at that time and most bands featured a singer who sang mainly Irish ballads for the waltzes. John Bennett from Cork City joined the band in 1965. At that time, he was one of Cork's best known hurlers and won an All Ireland hurling medal in 1966. John has made many recordings and radio programmes with the band over the years.
2007 is the 50th anniversary of the ACB and this occasion is marked by the release of a compilation CD of the bands music including selections of Irish Dance Music and Ballads over this period. The CD also includes 2 new solo compositions by Brian Lawler.

It is available to buy in most record shops in Ireland. (Chart Label Ireland - Cat No. CHCD119)