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Sweeney's Men
Biography
Coming after the Clancy Brothers and before groups like Planxty and the Bothy Band, Sweeney's Men occupy a pivotal place in the history of Irish music, in addition to introducing the Greek bouzouki to the tradition, since which time it's become a staple instrument in so many bands. The original trio came together in Galway in 1966: Andy Irvine, Johnny Moynihan, and Joe Dolan. They picked up on the challenge thrown down by artists like Sean O'Riada and the early Chieftains by blending traditional song with exquisite harmonies and some trickily arranged instrumentals. They also, in time, became the first of the Irish folk bands to use electric instruments, putting themselves very much at the forefront of what would become folk-rock.

Their name derived from the book At Swim Two Birds by Flann O'Brien and they soon began touring Ireland under the management of Des Kelly. They released two singles for Pye, "Old Maid in the Garret" and "Waxie's Dargle," both of which made the Irish Top Ten. In 1967, Dolan left for Israel and was replaced by banjo player Terry Woods. Their sound changed, as documented on their first album, 1968's Sweeney's Men, recorded for Transatlantic, the signing was helped by prodding from Moynihan's girlfriend, English folk singer Anne Briggs.