…a short history
Barley Bree was formed in the North of Ireland in 1973 with Nicky Bryson, P.V.
O'Donnell, Seamus O'Hagan and Jimmy Sweeney. In 1977 the band relocated to Canada, Nick Bryson chose not to
go, and was replaced by Jimmy's younger brother, Tom Sweeney (Jimmy and Tom are nephew's of
Tommy Makem).
After two years in Canada, Seamus missed living in Ireland and moved back (leaving the band).
The trio of P.V. O'Donnell, Jimmy and Tom Sweeney released six more albums and remained together until 1995, when Tom Sweeney decided to pursue a solo career.
… my thanks to P.V. O'Donnell for the above information.
Discography
Irish & International Folk 1977 - Avoca 33 ST 201 LP |
No Man's Land 1980 - BOOT ITB4015 LP |
Castles in the Air 1981 - Hurley HUR 1001 LP |
Barley Bree 1982 - Dolphin DOLM 5037 LP re-issue |
Barley Bree Live 1984 - Rego R43000 LP |
Castles In The Air 1985 - Shanachie 52010 LP re-issue |
No Man’s Land 1986 - Shanachie 52012 LP re-issue |
Speak Up For Old Ireland 1987 - Shanachie 52016 LP |
Anthem for the Children 1992 - Shanachie 52020 |
Tommy Makem and Friends in Concert 1992 - CD |
Love Is Teasing 1993 - AW 21993-1 Cassette |
The Best of Barley Bree 1995 - Shanachie 52039 CD |
…video releases
|
Let's Have An Irish Party 1983 - REGO VHS |
Tommy Makem and Friends in Concert 1992 - WMHT-1 VHS |

















