Who are the Mary Wallopers? Dundalk band compared to the Pogues for punk folk sound

It's safe to say that contemporary Irish folk music group the Mary Wallopers have accomplished a lot since their humble origins of trad sessions in local pubs.

The Dundalk group, which originally consisted of brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy alongside Sean McKenna, has since expanded to include a range of other talented musicians.

The Hendy brothers had previously worked together in the hilarious, acidly political hip-hop outfit TPM (TaxPayers' Money), who went viral with songs like F*** RTÉ and The Boys on the Dole.

The Hendys have spoken of their music childhood, growing up in Dunleer surrounded by folk music as their sister sang old songs for them, and their dad played the accordion

Charles Hendy has previously said that the band's biggest thematic influence has been "reactionary stuff to poverty", while the band also credit poet and punk musician Jinx Lennon as being among their biggest musical influences.

The Mary Wallopers cultivated a large fanbase following their gigs they live-streamed from the Hendys' home during COVID-19 lockdowns.

In 2022, after expanding the band, the Mary Wallopers released their debut, self-titled album to critical and commerical success. The endearingly defiant spirit and loud fun that they bring to the live Irish music scene is evident on the album, and brought them attention around the world.

The band have since released another hit album Irish Rock N Roll, which was accurately described by RTÉ reporter Alan Corr as "bawdy", vibrant and funny, consisting of "songs about drinkin' and ridin'".

The Mary Wallopers have racked up millions of listens on Spotify with their two albums so far, and have collaborated with some of the best talent Irish music has to offer.

In November 2023, the band performed alongside Damien Dempsey, Lankum, Lisa O'Neill and Pauline Scanlon as part of the Gig for Gaza at the 3Arena, a concert which raised funds for medical equipment for Palestinians in Gaza.

From their various television appearances on the Late Late Show, The Tommy Tiernan Show and even Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny 2023, where the band delivered their unique blend of humor, energy, and musical talent to bring in the new year.

The band have enjoyed great success with their live shows, having previously played a range of sold-out shows across the country, as well as Ireland's largest music festival Electric Picnic. The Mary Wallopers are set to play at the UK's biggest festival Glastonbury alongside a variety of other Irish musical talent.

One thing fans can guarantee is that the powerhouse Mary Wallopers have carved out a thriving live fanbase with their charm, fun and talent, and the band are not one to miss live.