In a statement shared to social media this morning, Seán McKenna has announced that he has "chosen to leave the Mary Wallopers after nearly 9 years" with the band.

Seán was one of the three original members of the Dundalk group, alongside brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy.

"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," he wrote online.

"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," he added. "Mind yourselves, thanks a million, free Palestine."

In their caption to the post on social media, the remaining members of The Mary Wallopers remarked: "...don’t worry we still love each other and will continue to get pissed together etc. We’ll still be touring, just with a moustached shape hole in our lives..."

The Mary Wallopers released their latest album, Irish Rock N Roll, in October 2023. Among the highlights of the LP was the powerful track 'The Idler', penned by Seán.

The Mary Wallopers' upcoming tour dates include shows in England, Scotland and Wales this month. This summer will also see the band play Fairview Park in Dublin (June 20), Live at the Marquee in Cork (July 18), and the Big Top in Galway (July 19).

 

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