Sadness at death of Omagh music legend Leo Doran

TRIBUTES have been paid to Leo Doran, one of Omagh’s most talented musicians who played a key role during the golden showband era of the 1960s.

Mr Doran, from Lammy Crescent, passed away on Tuesday evening. A skilled saxophone and clarinet player, he was a member of the Plattermen and later the Platters.

His career, though cut short by work commitments, saw him perform alongside local music legends including the late Brian Coll and Hugo Duncan.

He was also well-known as a member of St Eugene’s Band in Omagh, which he joined as a 14-year-old in 1956.

After his showband career ended in 1974, he rejoined St Eugene’s Band and remained a member for nearly 30 more years.

Beyond his musical talents, Mr Doran was well known locally for running the family barber’s shop on Market Street for many decades, becoming a familiar face around town.

Pat Chesters, a surviving member of the Platters and Plattermen, paid tribute, saying Mr Doran left a lasting legacy on the local music scene during a time when thousands flocked weekly to see the bands perform.

“Leo was an absolute gentleman – it’s as simple as that. It was great to have known him over so many years,” Mr Chesters told the UlsterHerald.

“He was a friend to me and everyone in the band. We missed him when he left the Plattermen to take over the barber’s shop after his father’s death, but thankfully he returned to music later on. In recent years, Leo, Ray Moore, myself, and Kevin McGinty met every fortnight for lunch and a bit of gossip about what was happening around Omagh. It was great to keep that connection going.”

The original four members – Pat Chesters, Leo Doran, Ray Moore, and Billy McGinty – were all students at CBS Omagh when they formed a band playing local dances.

They were also members of the St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band, which still performs regularly in Omagh.

Later joined by guitarist Arty McGlynn, bassist Sean Hamilton, and singer Brian Coll, the band, renamed the Platters, attracted thousands to venues across Ireland, England, and Scotland during the showband heyday. They appeared on RTE and the BBC and were managed by renowned Belfast promoter Jim Aitken from 1965.

After the death of his father, Leo took over the barber’s shop on Market Street, serving the Omagh community for many years.

Tony McGartland, who is currently writing a book about St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band in Omagh, said Leo Doran often recalled the solid musical foundation he received as a member of the band.

“He told me how he learned about harmony at Omagh CBS and practiced with St Eugene’s Band in the Labour Hall. Under the guidance of the late Joe McDonnell, he learned the craft of music. Leo recalled going home to his mother with his new clarinet wrapped in a brown paper bag and practicing until he became competent.

“Leo also learned the saxophone and later left the band to form the Melody Boys, which became the Plattermen. When he left the showbands in 1974, he rejoined St Eugene’s Band and remained a member until the late 1990s, but was always a lifelong supporter.”