The Mary Wallopers, a six-piece from Dundalk, delivered a unique and authentic folk experience that captivated Trinity Centre’s audience last Thursday night. Taking to the stage, one of two brothers from the band, Charles Hendy, made a craic about their van breaking down and how buying some merch would get them back on the road, an endearing way to start the night. Their raw, unfiltered approach to traditional Irish music is both refreshing and entertaining, blending traditional Irish sounds with a modern, irreverent twist.
The genuine camaraderie between band members adds an infectious energy to their performances, often with the crowd joining in with the nicest heckling you will ever witness. For those who have yet to experience the magic of a Mary Wallopers gig, imagine going to the pub with your nearest and dearest friends and having a night of laughter, emotion, and dancing. Whether you’re a folk enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, it’s undeniable that their performances are a lively and unapologetic celebration of heritage, often accompanied by witty banter and contagious energy, with memorable songs such as ‘Cod Liver Oil And The Orange Juice’, ‘Eileen Og’ and recent single from their new album, ‘The Blarney Stone’, that leaves everyone belting with hearts out.
It was nearly time for the set to finish, the band exit at the back of the stage and the crowd are suitably riled up for, ‘one more song’. Much to the audience’s pleasure, the band took to the stage once more and declared something along the lines of, ‘F*ck it, we’ll play you two more songs.’ People were linking arms and swinging each other into the next person who would join the dancing and as the band played their last note, an eruption of applause and whistles filled the space. ‘Dirty Old Town’ began playing by The Pogues and everyone held one another swaying in an alcohol-fueled cuddle. Another reason why The Mary Wallopers are a band not to be missed live.
Cheyenne Jayne-Manning @scramsistermedia
Role: Photographer
I’m a professional photographer, and I love to shoot festivals, events, and gig-goers. I’m also an editor, specialising in music videos.
Qualification: BA (hons) in Documentary Film Making from the University of Newport.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: One of the first gigs I ever went to on my own was Chase & Status in 2008. My mates and I covered ourselves in glow paint, only to sweat it off jumping and dancing. It was the start of my never-ending gig list.
First gig shot: Technically the first band I ever shot would have been my dad’s, at the age of 9! My mum gave me this giant tape camcorder and I filmed the entire thing. Since then, I’ve shot plenty of friends’ bands whilst co-managing the live music venue, Le Pub in Newport, and I haven’t stopped since.
Dream gig: CASisDEAD, Slow Club, Enter Shikari, Dizzee Rascal (in the Boy In The Corner era), Turnstile, and The Prodigy.
