Rusty shed was once the ballroom of romance

While it is now just a rusty old shed located along the N17 between Tuam and Galway, for around 50 years this was one of the county’s most famous Ballrooms of Romance.

Even though the Ranch House in Cummer closed down back in the 1980, memories of some of the big showbands it attracted came flooding back when the property along with two and a half acres went under the hammer last week at an auction in Galway city.

Many in attendance at the O’Donnellan and Joyce auction recalled the times they danced and met their future partner in the Ranch House which went under the hammer for €52,000.

Bidding for the property opened at €28,000 and it attracted a total of 18 bids as it climbed in increments of €2,000 and €1,000 until it was eventually knocked down to its new owner. It is not known what is planned for the property which is in a prime location along the N17.

But many of a certain age will recall when this dilapidated shed was one of the best known dancehalls in the West of Ireland which was established by the late Nora and Andy Keaveney and attracted huge attendances for its Thursday and Sunday night dances during its heyday.

Originally known as Keaveney’s Cummer Hall, it attracted dancers from all over Galway, Mayo and further afield and much of this was down to some of the well-known showbands that played there.

The likes of Joe Dolan, Larry Cunningham, Big Tom, Ray Lynam, Margo, Philomena Begley, Brush Shiels and the Memories all played there as did a number of local acts, which were big at the time, including Johnny Flynn, Ollie Maloney and Gerry Cronin from Tuam.

Well known country music journalist Tom Gilmore vividly recalls some wonderful nights in the Ranch House and said that some of the biggest acts played over the years.

“In the early days they came from miles around on bicycles with dynamos on the front so they could see where they were going along the roads. Hundreds of bicycles parked up outside the ballroom was a common sight in those days.

“There are still a lot of people around who met their future partners there and it still holds fond memories for many who danced there. Many still recall Nora Keaveney in the box office and if anyone was short a few bob to get in, she never turned them away,” Tom recalls.

He says that Nora and Andy’s dwelling was situated across the road from the ballroom and when the bands would arrive the members would be treated to a fine wholesome country meal in the house prior to going on stage.

The famous hall went into decline as the singing lounges began to make an impact. But it enjoyed a revival for a few years during the mid-1970s and up to the early 80s when it was run by Frank Keaveney, who resides in Tuam and is still following the showbands with great enthusiasm.