Effective period / Period of releases: 1970 - 1982

Members: John Ryan (2), Ray Lynam

In 1969, Ray Lynam was the lead singer in a local midlands band called The Merrymen. They played local hops and relief to the big bands. (From RTE) One of the most distinctive 'real' country singers to emerge from the Irish club and showband scene, Ray started out in '60s singing covers of Rolling Stones' hits when he was lead singer with his first band, The Merrymen, while still attending the local Carmelite College Secondary School in Moate.

Then in 1969 he formed the Hillbillies with Kevin Sheerin singing modern country and released their first singles, Busted followed by Sweet Rosie Jones. Before long, they attracted the attention of Mick Clerkin of Release records who signed them to a recording deal and they changed their name to the Hillbillies, going professional in early 1970.

With Philomena Begley a successful duet team, appearing regularly at Wembley both solo and duo. Albums include. We Go Together Again '84 on Sonus, Country Stars '84 on Homespun, Simply Divine '85 on Ritz, all with Begley; his solos incl. Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile '86, Back In Love By Monday '88 and Very Best '91 on Ritz.

Sometime around 1980-1, the band underwent a major change when original members Billy Burgoyne, John Ryan and Billy Condon left the band. They replaced two of the musicians (we are researching the facts) and became a six piece band.