Tipperary pub gig mentioned on Late Late Show by Kingfishr as major moment in their careers

Folk trio Kingfishr joined Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty on Friday night to reflect on their remarkable journey — from college parties in Limerick to international stages — and to share how their breakout song Killeagh became the unofficial soundtrack of the Irish summer.

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Viewers were treated to a stirring rendition of Killeagh along with the band’s first-ever live television performance of their new single Diamonds and Roses.

“Absolutely crazy,” said bassist Eoin ‘Fitz’ Fitzgibbon, recalling how Killeagh came to life. “The song was written as a favour to a friend of mine who wanted a song if Killeagh won a cup, which they did, and they sang the song and it was great.

“I don't think anyone ever expected it to go any further than that, and when we did decide to put it out we thought, ‘ah, you know, it’ll be great for a couple of weeks,’ and it just kind of kept going and people kept picking up on it.

“I think it was Patrick’s Day this year… people just took over on TikTok with it, and then the hurling, football and camogie all took it. There’s tourists now turning up in Killeagh, taking photos with the signs!”

Asked about a moment that marked a turning point for the band, Edmond Keogh highlighted a now-legendary performance in Jim O’ the Mills pub in Ballyboy, Upperchurch, Co. Tipperary.

“There’s a place in Tipp called Jim O’ the Mills — it’s a big trad stronghold. ‘Magoo’ (band member Eoghan McGrath) would’ve spent a lot of time down there. The whole place flooded with 800 people turning up. That certainly was a turning point for me, where we realised this is a lot more serious than we thought it would be.”

The band’s debut album Halcyon is out now, marking another milestone in their fast-rising career. Kingfishr are also set to take to one of Ireland’s biggest stages later this year, with two headline shows at Dublin’s 3Arena on Thursday, December 18, and Friday, December 19, 2025 — both of which are now sold out.

Reflecting on the achievement, the band said, “Two years ago we stood outside the 3Arena and we said we’re going to play there someday. Now we’re doing two gigs there.”

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