The Mary Wallopers

The Mary Wallopers formed in Dundalk in 2017, Charles Hendy, Andrew Hendy, and Seán McKenna developing an approach to Irish traditional music that was immediately raucous and joyful. Their music drew on the Irish folk tradition while bringing a punk energy and political directness that made them genuinely distinctive — a band that treated traditional music as a living, breathing thing rather than a museum piece.

Their self-titled debut album (2021) generated significant critical excitement, establishing them as one of the most interesting new Irish acts. Their energetic live shows and their combination of traditional Irish songs with original material earned them a devoted following in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities internationally.

The Mary Wallopers are one of the most exciting acts in contemporary Irish music — a band whose combination of traditional roots, punk energy, and genuine joy makes them genuinely distinctive. They represent the continuing vitality of Irish folk music and its capacity to speak to contemporary concerns. ⚠ Flag: post-2021 activity — verify any releases since the debut album.