The Mary Wallopers are an Irish folk music group based in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. Formed in 2019, the band originally comprised brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy and musician Seán McKenna. Their musical style blends traditional Irish folk with elements of folk‑punk, often featuring energetic live performances and politically charged lyrics.
Members
- Charles Hendy – vocals, guitar
- Andrew Hendy – vocals, guitar
- Róisín “Mary” Barrett – bass (joined 2022)
- Ken Mooney – drums (replaced Brendan McInerney)
- Finnian O'Connor – tin whistle, uilleann pipes (joined 2022)
Former members include Seán McKenna (founding member, left 2025), Brendan McInerney (drums), and Seamas Hyland (accordion).
Genre and Influences
The group performs within the Irish folk tradition while incorporating punk energy and social commentary. They cite Irish revolutionary music, The Pogues, Lankum, and The Dubliners as influences, and have been described as “Irish trad punks” in contemporary reviews.
Discography
- The Mary Wallopers (self‑titled debut album, 2022) – noted for its raucous, fun style and comparisons to The Pogues.
- Irish Rock N Roll (second album, 2024) – received praise for its vibrant, humorous take on folk themes.
Activism and Public Profile
The Mary Wallopers are known for outspoken political positions, including opposition to far‑right and anti‑immigration movements and support for Palestinian liberation. They gained viral attention in May 2020 for a counter‑protest against a far‑right anti‑5G rally, wearing tinfoil hats and promoting the slogan “Bring Back Dial‑Up: the internet is too fast!”. Their activism has led to both support from fellow musicians and controversy, such as the cancellation of their set at Victorious Festival in August 2025 after they displayed a Palestinian flag onstage.
During the COVID‑19 lockdowns, the band livestreamed performances from the Hendy household, cultivating a large online following. They have participated in benefit concerts, including the “Gig for Gaza” at Dublin’s 3Arena in November 2023, raising funds for medical equipment in Gaza.
Related Projects
The Hendy brothers also perform as TPM, a comedy‑rap duo whose name stands for “Taxpayer’s Money,” sharing a similarly anti‑capitalist stance.
Reception
Critics have highlighted the band’s ability to blend traditional material with contemporary political themes. Reviews in The Guardian, RTÉ, and The Irish Times note their lively performances, folk‑horror lyrical elements, and the “bawdy” yet socially conscious nature of their songs.
Overall
The Mary Wallopers represent a modern iteration of Irish folk music, integrating punk aesthetics and activist messaging while maintaining strong ties to traditional musical forms. Their growing discography and active engagement in sociopolitical issues have positioned them as a notable presence within Ireland’s contemporary folk scene.