Dundalk’s most irreverent musical export, The Mary Wallopers, are bringing their unique brand of rebellious folk music to the Christmas season, transforming traditional festivities with their raw, politically charged energy.
The band, which began as the trio of Charles Hendy, Andrew Hendy, and Sean McKenna before expanding to a six-piece in 2022, has announced a series of arena concerts throughout Ireland and the UK that will run from December 15 through January 8.
The Mary Wallopers’ rise to prominence was unconventional, catalyzed by their pandemic-era livestreams from a homemade pub setup that began on St. Patrick’s Day 2020. These virtual performances, which sometimes drew over 40,000 simultaneous viewers, established their reputation for blending traditional Irish folk with the spirit of punk rebellion, often described as “Dead Kennedys meets The Clancy Brothers.”
Following their recent lineup changes, including Sean McKenna’s departure in March 2025 to pursue solo work and drummer Brendan McInerney being replaced by Ken Mooney, the band continues to evolve while maintaining their working-class ethos.
Their Christmas shows will showcase material from their two albums, “The Mary Wallopers” (2022) and “Irish Rock N Roll” (2023), plus recent singles “Home Boys Home” and “The Juice.”
The band’s rapid ascent from pub gigs to major venues reflects their growing influence in contemporary folk music. “We’re bringing the chaos of a Dundalk pub to the big stages,” Charles Hendy noted in a recent interview, emphasizing that their shows remain rooted in community despite their commercial success.
Critics suggest that The Mary Wallopers’ Christmas concerts represent a significant shift in seasonal entertainment, offering an alternative to traditional festive fare with their politically conscious lyrics inspired by James Connolly and their hometown’s industrial border identity. The group has effectively built their audience through consistent content across social media platforms, sharing behind-the-scenes footage and political commentary that resonates with their fanbase. Their musical approach embodies what Charles Hendy has cited as the band’s primary influence: reactionary responses to poverty that continue to shape their artistic vision.
Their shows, known for mosh pits alongside folk dancing, maintain what fans call the band’s core message of camaraderie and respect despite the anarchic atmosphere, promising a yuletide celebration unlike any other in the contemporary folk scene. The group has diversified their revenue through merchandise sales that feature their distinctive working-class imagery, helping fund their increasingly ambitious tours. The group will bring their raw, energetic performance to Band on the Wall in Manchester on December 16th, continuing their successful post-pandemic tour circuit.
