The Mary Wallopers star departs Irish band after 'almost ten years of hoorin and drinkin'

One of the original three members of popular Irish folk music group The Mary Wallopers has departed the band, it has been announced. 

The Dundalk group, which originally consisted of brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy and Sean McKenna, cultivated a large fanbase following their live-streamed gigs from the Hendys' home during the COVID-19 lockdowns. They have since grown from strength to strength with sold-out gigs and appearances at some of the biggest festivals in Ireland and the UK. 

In a statement posted to their Instagram account this Tuesday morning, the band confirmed that one of the original trio, Seán McKenna, has departed the band after nine years. 

"I imagine a lot of you will be shocked, maybe even saddened to hear this but I have chosen to leave the Mary Wallopers after nearly 9 years," McKenna's statement began.

“With another busy year of touring looming I have decided to take a step back and put some time into a couple of projects I've been thinking about for a long time..

"The Wallopers started out as a bit of craic and none of us could've ever imagined where it would end up taking us. I'd like to thank everyone who helped and supported us over the years, every mad bastard that showed up to the gigs, and to thank my bandmates for all the music and memories along the way.

"I'm making some movements at the minute and have some tunes in the works so keep an eye out. Mind yourselves, thanks a million, free Palestine."

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Accompanying the post, the band also shared the "first band photo" they ever took alongside the caption: "After almost ten years of hoorin and drinkin Seán has decided to leave the band, now don’t worry we still love each other and will continue to get pissed together etc," they assured fans. 

"We’ll still be touring, just with a moustached shape hole in our lives," before wishing McKenna luck in his future endeavours. 

The Mary Wallopers are due to tour England, Scotland and Wales this month before shows in Dubin, Cork and Galway this summer.