In 1957, a group of young friends came together in the old De La Salle school in Patrick Street, Kilkenny, and having a mutual interest in music, decided to put a skiffle group together. Saxophonist Liam Drennan was joined by vocalist Ollie Kearney, who also played acoustic guitar, drummer John Joe Cantwell, Seán Holland (who later played trumpet) on washboard and Jim O’Dwyer on tea-chest bass. A local card-player, P.J. O’Neill suggested The Black Aces as a name for the combo, and throughout their long musical career, this name was never changed.

Soon the lads were joined by Val Reynolds who played electric guitar, trombonist Arthur Connick and by vocalists Jimmy Lennon and Paddy Hanrahan. In the early days, they played in local Kilkenny venues such as the CYMS, the Carlton and the Mayfair, but as their popularity grew, they decided to turn professional and accept engagements all over the island. Paul Fennelly took up the position as manager.

During one of their trips to Britain, Jimmy Lennon decided to leave the band and settled in Birmingham, where he carved out a solo career in the music business.  Sonny Cullen replaced Jim O’Dwyer on bass and Tom Dullard joined as lead guitarist.

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Band-members Liam Drennan - sax Ollie Kearney - vocals & guitar Paddy Hanrahan - vocals John Joe Cantwell - drums Seán Holland - trumpet Jim O'Dwyer - bass Sonny Cullen - bass & vocals Val Reynolds - guitar Tom Dullard - guitar Arthur Connick - trombone