The Mary Wallopers
Details
So pleased I'll get to see these guys at last!
If you fancy a lively and pretty mad night out and are up for a singalong and a jig, you're very welcome to come along!
And it's the night after Hockley Hustle - so will be a good opportunity to keep the party going!
Tickets available here
The Mary Wallopers are a dynamic Irish folk and punk band from Dundalk, County Louth, formed by brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy alongside their friend Seán McKenna. Renowned for their raw energy and anti-authoritarian themes, they mix traditional ballads with a rebellious, unfiltered modern attitude.
They gained a massive following during the COVID-19 lockdowns with energetic livestreams from their home bar, launching them into an internationally touring sensation.
Origins & Band Ethos
- Musical Roots: The Hendy brothers grew up in Dunleer, surrounded by folk music and ballad sessions. Before forming this band, Charles and Andrew ran an irreverent, viral hip-hop/comedy group called TPM.
- The Name: The band is named after a small rowboat that belonged to a local harbour master, itself named after a local 19th-century figure known for drinking cider, starting riots, and having a good time.
- Live Style: Championing the idea that traditional songs belong to everyone, they aim to break the divide between crowd and performer. Their rowdy live shows often feature sing-alongs that continue long after the band has left the stage.
Career Milestones
- Early Days: Unemployed and broke, the trio began playing folk songs in local pubs for drinks before expanding their sound.
- Expansion: To fully capture their live instrumentation, they expanded into a 7-piece band in 2022, bringing in instruments like bass, drums, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, and accordion.
- Global Stages: Their breakthrough success propelled them to sold-out global tours across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia, including highly acclaimed sets at Glastonbury and Croke Park.
