Billy Rush & His Band

Billy Rush, was born in Philadelphia USA on August 18, 1929 but moved to Ireland with his family on 1933 near Castlederg. His father passed away when Billy was only seven years old. Billy and his brother Edmund learned to play the accordion, which allowed them to play at house dances as well as dancing classes throughout the country. Billy married Kathleen Devine from Mullinabreen in 1956. Together they moved to Belfast and had eight children. Irish music was also popular in Belfast at the time and he played with The O'Caghan Ceili Band and later he joined the Sean Maguire Ceili Band. Billy then went on to join The Northern Province Band who made many recordings for RTE in the late 50's and 60's In 1974, Billy and his family moved to Ederney where Irish music was ripe. He was no stranger to charitable work and was often found playing in residential homes and hospitals all around Fermanagh and Tyrone. Billy was a modest man and was highly regarded by many music legendaries. Described as ‘one of the best hornpipe players in Ireland’ by Galway musician Joe Burke, he has passed on a great legacy of his music and style to his family. In particular, his grandson Marcas O’Donnell who shared many a tune with him. Billy passed away on November 8, 2012, at his home in Ederney. His passing saw crowds of family and friends as well as musicians young and old, who played during his wake. He also had 30 musicians play around his graveside, including well known musician Joe Burke. "Music and great company as Billy Rush is remembered" By Julie Kenwell, The Impartial Reporter, 12th November 2015