Andi Leahy (U.S. Irish fiddler) and Peter Gallagher (guitarist from the West of Ireland) are both long-time musicians of Traditional Irish Music. They met from across the Atlantic Ocean through professional networking, where both were looking to get involved with something creative and inspiring, musically. After exchanging musical samples and ideas, a collaboration became inevitable. Both discovered a special and unique opportunity unfolding as a direct result of their passion for the music.

 

Meeting in the Fall of 2017 in Ireland and affirming a musical chemistry and friendship, they decided to plan to record their flagship piece,

“The Lighthouse Keeper’s Waltz” (Cal Scott, Swithsongs, BMI), in County Clare, Ireland. A portion of the early proceeds of "Lighthouse" went to directly to the Samaritans, a charity organization dedicated to the prevention of suicide. As a Lighthouse can symbolize hope, Andi and Peter were proud to share that portion with the Samaritans in the early days of the release of the single.

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Fionnghuala Leahy (U.S. Irish flute and clavinet player) traveled to Ireland in the spring of 2018 to meet Peter and Andi and they then decided to collaborate on a track. While there has always been musical chemistry between Andi and Fionnghuala, after getting together with Peter, the chemistry was complete. Virtual collaboration went on from there! Soon afterwards, they decided to form a band and

Leahy-Gallagher Music is now known as the band, West of Connacht.

 

Drawing from the members’ shared love of music, these long-time players of traditional Irish music, look to produce creative and innovative new music, while staying steeped in the Irish tradition. They create their sound, sometimes collaborating with various international musicians, focusing on beautiful melodies and their rhythmic elements. They craft a fresh, modern fusion to appeal to a wider audience of different genres as well, worldwide. They love the endless possibilities of creating music through recording. Quality musical arranging and recording takes time and dedication. Their musical process is challenging at long distance, yet they are motivated by the heart and chemistry they share.