Sweeney's Men

Biography

This band, although they only lasted from 1966-69, was the forerunner of many acts to come out of Ireland, such as Planxty and Moving Hearts, and highly-influential in the field of electric folk. Sweeney’s Men was formed by Terry Woods (4 December 1947, Dublin, Eire; vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo), included Andy Irvine (b. 14 June 1942, London, England; vocals, mandolin, guitar, bouzouki, harmonica), and Johnny Moynihan (vocals, bouzouki, tin whistle). Traditional Irish material, jigs, shanties and American ballads were bound together in an innovatory manner, and the band soon became an influence on other folk acts. Irvine left after Sweeney’s Men 1968. His replacement, the guitarist Henry McCullough, was with the band only a few months, but his influence can be heard on Tracks Of Sweeney’s Men. It included his composition ‘A Mistake No Doubt’ which he also introduced to his next outfit, the Grease Band. By 1969 plans were afoot to expand...

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