Two members of the popular Capitol Showband are proud of their farming backgrounds.
The Capitol are one of the most successful bands in Ireland. They have a full schedule of performances in ballrooms and dance halls the length and breadth of the country and to appreciative audiences overseas.
Some Capitol Showband fans may not know that at one time two of its members, Des Kelly (bass) and Eamonn Monaghan (piano) were heading towards a very different career. The two met in Dublin while studying for a degree in agriculture.
The decision to quit their studies was a hard one, but they are happy with the way things have worked out.
Given that most shows The Capitol play are outside Dublin, the band feels very connected to country life. They have noticed how farming practices and living standards have improved. They are also aware of the importance of dances to social life.
It’s really the only way that boy can meet girl.
With their current level of success, can they ever see themselves going back to the land? Both Eamonn Monaghan and Des Kelly would like to complete their degrees. Although there are no immediate plans, they both can see themselves being involved in some aspect of agriculture in the future.
The lead singer with The Capitol is Dubliner Butch Moore who has no farming knowledge but like the farmer keeps an eye on the weather.
This episode of 'On The Land’ was broadcast on 28 February 1965. The reporter is Ted Nealon.
On the Land' was a weekly programme for farmers broadcast from 1962 to 1971. Jack White, Head of Public Affairs, Telefís Éireann, wrote "Good cover of farming is a basic duty for a television network that serves an agricultural country. Telefís Éireann is anxious to do its bit to make for a better life on the land." (RTV Guide, 9 February 1966. Vol.1, No.11, p.6)
