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Bio:
Al O'Donnell is a folk singer, guitarist and banjo player from Dublin who began playing
the folk clubs and festivals in the late 60s. He was also a short-lived member of
Sweeneys Men during August and September of 1968,
between their two albums.
After Andy Irvine left the Sweeneys after the first LP, and the experiment with
Heny McCullough came to an end, Johnny Moynihan and Terry Woods invited Al O'Donnell to
join them, before choosing to continue as a duo (and ultimately splitting a year later).
Al played solo gigs in the clubs in Dublin regularly during the 70s and 80s (he was working
for RTE at the time) and recorded two albums during the 70s.
Both albums are worth locating. While they may lack a little in variety or colour, they contain
strong performances. The first album has excellent versions of many well known ballads including
a version of 'Avondale' which is arguably definitive.
Both LPs are not easy to locate.
We need your help to correct and/or complete this entry. If you can provide more information about this band, have scans, photos or any other memorabilia we can use, or spare copies of any releases, then please get in touch.