I am very sadly posting this interview, recorded in 2013, in memory of the late Paul Galbally whose sudden death has shaken his many friends in Carlow and beyond. Paul was, to use an old term, a gentleman in all senses of the word. When we met occasionally, in person and online, the conversation went quickly to music and his encyclopaedic knowledge made every occasion a joy. When we last spoke in the legendary Café Formenti in Dublin street he made us a coffee and we sat for ages chatting about what he was up to, bands, music and a little science. His smile was there, as always, genuine and welcoming.
I had the great honour of launching the Hard Time “Black Republic” album and when he was last in the Studios in KCLR we heard him in full flow, not only about music but his other passion, science. He spoke openly about his life story, his arrival in Carlow and the start of his journey as a scientist and musician.
To his family we extend our deepest sympathies and hope they will find peace soon. To his many musical friends and fans we have the small but important comfort of his fine songwriting to sustain us through this loss.
In this interview from 2013 his two passions came together; as you’ll hear, his years of research had seen him being awarded a doctorate and the band of the time The Hard Times had just recorded their debut album. He reflected on both and he was full of pride about both, and with good reason. It’s how I will remember him…
