Galleon, a band formed in 1979, originated from Cork and quickly established a significant presence in the music scene, making their mark from Cork to New York and beyond before retiring in 2002.
The group's inception was somewhat serendipitous, as five young men began working at Our Lady's Hospital on the Lee Road, which overlooks the scenic River Lee. These individuals were Tim O'Sullivan from Killarney, Co. Kerry; Michael Mangan from Youghal, a coastal town in East Cork; Declan Lynch from Castleisland, Co. Kerry; Michael Looney from Kerry Pike, near the renowned Blarney Castle; and Ger Walsh, the city dweller from Ballyphehane in Cork's southern suburbs.
Initially, their focus was on careers in the health services; however, the vibrant pub culture of Ireland during the late 1970s, coupled with the global popularity of Irish folk music propelled by acts like the Clancy Brothers, The Chieftains, The Fureys, and The Dubliners, shifted their interests. This shared passion for folk music led to the accidental formation of Galleon, who performed their first gig in 1979. Within a year, they had become the most popular folk band in southern Ireland. During this period, they recorded several vinyl records and MC tapes, laying the groundwork for their future.
Galleon regularly toured America, Canada, and Great Britain, while also appearing at major venues in Ireland and on various television shows. Over the years, the lineup experienced changes, with members departing, except for Declan Lynch, who remained a constant presence. Despite the departures, the band maintained a familial bond, even as members left the group.
In 1986, Galleon expanded to a six-piece band with the addition of Michael Harte, a talented bass guitarist and a cherished member of the family. The band also relied on key figures like Martin Griffin, who helped navigate challenging times, and Batty Mulcahy, who, though not a musician, made invaluable contributions to the group. The loss of Harte in 2006 and Mulcahy in 2010 deeply affected the band, leaving them feeling shattered.
Despite these challenges, Galleon found the strength to persevere, drawing inspiration from the spirits of Harte and Mulcahy. While the early 1990s brought uncertainty about the band's future, a pivotal moment occurred when Henning Krautmacher attended a Galleon performance in Cork. This connection marked the beginning of Galleon's enduring relationship with Germany, particularly Cologne. The lineup at that time included Tim O'Sullivan, Ger Walsh, Michael Looney, Mick Harte, and Declan Lynch, with Batty Mulcahy continuing to support them.
This renewed energy breathed new life into Galleon, leading to a successful period where they performed extensively in Germany, recording several memorable CDs. Galleon and the German band Hoehner developed a close partnership, sharing stages and recording together, which extended their journey for another decade. However, by 2002, the band disbanded, leading to a sense of finality.
Over the years, numerous musicians collaborated with Galleon, including Andy Dunne, Vince Milne, John O'Keefe, Paul Seymour, Johnny Scannell, Shirley Scannell, and Noel Troy. Johnny Campbell served as the band's sound engineer and chief studio influence, contributing to several acclaimed CDs.
When the desire to perform again arose, Michael Looney was focused on his solo career and could not return. Andy Dunne rejoined the band, followed by Mick Mangan, bringing back a sense of camaraderie and enjoyment to their music. However, the passing of Harte and Mulcahy left the band feeling adrift once more.
Ultimately, the current iteration of Galleon emerged, expanding to a seven-piece lineup. The band now includes Johnny Campbell on bass, Paul Seymour on keyboards, and maintains four of the original five members: Tim O'Sullivan, Ger Walsh, Mick Mangan, and Declan Lynch.
As of 2013, Galleon continues to navigate their musical journey, planning a live concert CD and a tour in Germany later that year. The lineup for the 2006 tour includes Mick Mangan on guitar and vocals, Tim O'Sullivan on guitar, percussion, and vocals, Ger Walsh on guitar, mandolin, banjo, whistles, and vocals, and Declan Lynch on bodhrán and vocals, along with Andy Dunne on guitars and vocals, Paul Seymour on keyboards and vocals, and Johnny Campbell on bass guitar and vocals. This collective represents a rich tapestry of musicians who have contributed to Galleon's enduring legacy.
