Tom Kelly from Ballina is from the old school, with a firm belief in hard work, a trusting relationship with his artists, a deep understanding of the business built from years of experience on the circuit, a firm friendship with the people in the print and radio media, and just getting on with the job.
“The road can be the best teacher of all,” says Tom.
The showbusiness scene has its peaks and valleys, and you have to be able to detect the signs. The golden rule is trust and honesty. When people know how you operate, they trust you. You establish a bond. When people honour that, there is no need to sign contracts.
Tom has been the sole manager for Brendan Grace for the past 25 years. He also books the concert tours for Mike Denver, Isla and Al Grant, Johnny McEvoy and Sandy Kelly, who headlines the Patsy Cline Story concert tour. Over the next three months, he is the busiest manager on the entire Irish circuit.
Though most people think Tom is a Mayoman since he has resided in Ballina for more than two thirds of his life, he was born and raised in Castlerea. Tom is married to Patricia Lavelle, formerly from Easkey, Co Sligo, and they have three daughters, Sylvan, Taryn and Shakira.
The Tom Kelly Trio, that included PJ Clarke and the late Noel Barrett, started out in Ballina in 1967. They were in regular demand for dinner dances as a relief band for the big outfits on the dance circuit in that era.
“We played support to Big Tom and The Mainliners in the Royal Ballroom in Castlebar, The Royal Showband, The Dixies and many others at the time,” says Tom.
His first real showband was when he fronted The Abilene in 1969, a band based out of Ballina and that included the late Tommy Murphy on drums.
“Andy Creighton was our manager at the time. He was one of the top managers of that era and had guided The Royal Blues to number one with Old Man Trouble. He was also booking DJ Curtin and the Kerry Blues, Brush Shiels, The Memories and others," says Tom.
My first real involvement in the management scene came with Gary Street, Sandy Duskey and The New Fairways. Gary later went to England and I took charge of The Duskeys, who were chosen to represent Ireland in the Eurovision of 1982.
Around this time, Tom became the booking manager for the Eugene Lambert Puppet Theatre.
The 1990s saw Tom Kelly emerge as a steady and highly consistent manager on the Irish scene. He handled the diary for comedian and accomplished actor Niall Tóibín.
This year marks Tom’s silver jubilee as manager of Brendan Grace.
“Brendan is a great guy to work with and we have a great understanding and friendship. He has become a national institution over the years.”
Recent months have seen Tom busy lining up dates for Mike Denver’s upcoming spring tour, which features Ray Lynam, Philomena Begley and Gerry Guthrie as guest acts, while Margo will feature as guest on four shows.
The quiet man from Ballina is also guiding the concert career of Johnny McEvoy and Tom feels privileged to be associated with this cherished Irish entertainer. Tom is also the booking agent for the Irish tours of Isla and Al Grant. The Scottish singer has seven Irish dates in March, while her husband Al will be on tour with his Life and Music of Jim Reeves show during February.
Another show on the way from Tom Kelly Promotions is The Patsy Cline Story featuring Sandy Kelly and special guest Gerry Guthrie. There are twelve dates on this tour in February and March. CL
• See full details about tour dates for all the artists in this week’s Country Living. Tickets are now on sale at all venues and ticketmaster.ieMusic through the generations
Hugh and Maria top the million
Tom Kelly from Ballina is from the old school, with a firm belief in hard work, a trusting relationship with his artists, a deep understanding of the business built from years of experience on the circuit, a firm friendship with the people in the print and radio media, and just getting on with the job.
“The road can be the best teacher of all,” says Tom.
The showbusiness scene has its peaks and valleys, and you have to be able to detect the signs. The golden rule is trust and honesty. When people know how you operate, they trust you. You establish a bond. When people honour that, there is no need to sign contracts.
Tom has been the sole manager for Brendan Grace for the past 25 years. He also books the concert tours for Mike Denver, Isla and Al Grant, Johnny McEvoy and Sandy Kelly, who headlines the Patsy Cline Story concert tour. Over the next three months, he is the busiest manager on the entire Irish circuit.
Though most people think Tom is a Mayoman since he has resided in Ballina for more than two thirds of his life, he was born and raised in Castlerea. Tom is married to Patricia Lavelle, formerly from Easkey, Co Sligo, and they have three daughters, Sylvan, Taryn and Shakira.
The Tom Kelly Trio, that included PJ Clarke and the late Noel Barrett, started out in Ballina in 1967. They were in regular demand for dinner dances as a relief band for the big outfits on the dance circuit in that era.
“We played support to Big Tom and The Mainliners in the Royal Ballroom in Castlebar, The Royal Showband, The Dixies and many others at the time,” says Tom.
His first real showband was when he fronted The Abilene in 1969, a band based out of Ballina and that included the late Tommy Murphy on drums.
“Andy Creighton was our manager at the time. He was one of the top managers of that era and had guided The Royal Blues to number one with Old Man Trouble. He was also booking DJ Curtin and the Kerry Blues, Brush Shiels, The Memories and others," says Tom.
My first real involvement in the management scene came with Gary Street, Sandy Duskey and The New Fairways. Gary later went to England and I took charge of The Duskeys, who were chosen to represent Ireland in the Eurovision of 1982.
Around this time, Tom became the booking manager for the Eugene Lambert Puppet Theatre.
The 1990s saw Tom Kelly emerge as a steady and highly consistent manager on the Irish scene. He handled the diary for comedian and accomplished actor Niall Tóibín.
This year marks Tom’s silver jubilee as manager of Brendan Grace.
“Brendan is a great guy to work with and we have a great understanding and friendship. He has become a national institution over the years.”
Recent months have seen Tom busy lining up dates for Mike Denver’s upcoming spring tour, which features Ray Lynam, Philomena Begley and Gerry Guthrie as guest acts, while Margo will feature as guest on four shows.
The quiet man from Ballina is also guiding the concert career of Johnny McEvoy and Tom feels privileged to be associated with this cherished Irish entertainer. Tom is also the booking agent for the Irish tours of Isla and Al Grant. The Scottish singer has seven Irish dates in March, while her husband Al will be on tour with his Life and Music of Jim Reeves show during February.
Another show on the way from Tom Kelly Promotions is The Patsy Cline Story featuring Sandy Kelly and special guest Gerry Guthrie. There are twelve dates on this tour in February and March. CL
• See full details about tour dates for all the artists in this week’s Country Living. Tickets are now on sale at all venues and ticketmaster.ieMusic through the generations
Hugh and Maria top the million
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