The Mary Wallopers

On 16 October 2026, The Mary Wallopers play The Great Hall, Cardiff. Formed in Dundalk by brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy with their friend Sean McKenna, the band learned its craft in pubs and front rooms: unvarnished voices in chorus, banjo and guitars leading the way, and lyrics that mix folklore, dry humour and a slice of social commentary. On stage, the original trio expands with extra players, stretching that kitchen-session feel across a fuller, driving sound.

The set moves between reworked Irish ballads and their own songs, swapping slow airs for brisk two-steps and choruses built to be sung back. From the early EP A Mouthful of The Mary Wallopers (2019) to the albums The Mary Wallopers (2022) and Irish Rock ’n’ Roll (2023), they’ve built a songbook that keeps tradition close while writing in the present. Expect tall tales, workers’ laments and straight-talking drinking songs, carried by tight harmonies, ringing banjo and the clatter of a room leaning in.

In Cardiff, they bring that communal energy to The Great Hall, with stories, singalongs and a line-up tuned for a lively night.