The Mary Wallopers on Irish Expression and Their Heavier New Album ‘Paddywhackery’

Exploring Irish identity and outsider life in England, The Mary Wallopers unleash a raw, energetic folk album with a bold political edge.

A Fresh Chapter: ‘Paddywhackery’ and Its Irish Rebel Roots

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider caught between worlds, The Mary Wallopers’ latest album, Paddywhackery, might just hit home. The Irish rebel folk band, hailing from Dundalk, County Louth, are back with their third studio album, out September 18. This record marks a significant evolution from their previous releases, embracing a heavier, more original sound that captures the isolation many feel while living abroad—especially in England.

Recorded in just two weeks with James Skelly of The Coral, the album steps confidently away from traditional Irish ballads and into a more uptempo, raw energy zone. Fans who’ve caught their live shows know the band’s electrifying presence, and Paddywhackery aims to bottle that magic for listeners worldwide.

From Dundalk to Brixton: The Mary Wallopers’ Growing Reach

The band, led by brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy, have built a reputation for their rowdy energy and thought-provoking lyrics. Their rising profile means their upcoming Paddywhackery tour will see them headline major venues—from London's iconic Brixton Academy to Dublin’s massive 3Arena. For a group still primarily based in Dundalk, this is a huge leap and a testament to their growing fanbase.

A Video Journey Through History and Displacement

Their lead single, Crowns Of England, perfectly captures the feeling of being an Irish outsider in England. The song and its evocative video follow an Irish woman, played by actress Danielle Galligan, as she wanders between pubs named The Crown, each adorned with imagery of Winston Churchill. It’s a poignant metaphor for the complex relationship between Ireland and England—a country steeped in nostalgia for a history that’s only partly understood.

“There’s something about all these pubs in England not being able to quench the thirst for the community back home.” — Andrew Hendy

Reclaiming ‘Paddywhackery’: A Militant, Playful Irish Expression

When asked about the album’s title, Andrew Hendy explained how Paddywhackery has been used as a derogatory term against Irish people but is now being reclaimed as a vibrant symbol of Irish identity.

“Sometimes Irish people use it to beat themselves up, too... We're trying to take ‘Paddywhackery’ back as our own militant thing and diminish its insulting power.”

He reminisces about how Irish performers in the late 19th century, especially in New York, balanced humor and cultural pride in their music. Today, that humor sometimes gets lost or feared in Irish folk, but The Mary Wallopers are determined to bring it back, fusing the serious with the good craic.

The Outsider’s View: Singing Rebel Songs in England

The song Crowns Of England reflects the alienation Irish immigrants often feel, especially living in the land of their colonizers. Andrew Hendy notes that while Ireland and England now enjoy a much better relationship, historical wounds linger below the surface.

“It’s something a lot of immigrants can relate to: missing home.”

The song touches on pubs where Irish navvies would gather in the ’60s, highlighting how these places in England attempt, but often fail, to recreate the sense of home and community lost in migration.

The Ambivalence of Rebel Songs

One line in Crowns Of England hits the nail on the head: “They don’t know if they should clap or throw me out again.”

This captures the complicated reception Irish rebel songs sometimes get in English pubs. While some embrace the music’s energy, others recoil at references to the IRA, shaped by decades of misrepresentation and misunderstanding.

Andrew Hendy sheds light on this delicate balance:

“Our relationship with the IRA was: ordinary people who were being oppressed, fighting back in their own country to get equal rights. But in the newspapers, what people in England heard of the IRA was this big terrorist threat from monsters from a foreign nation.”

Despite this, conversations about history tend to open minds, and most people ultimately understand the deeper context behind the songs.

He also points to a broader truth:

“If the ordinary English person knew what happened – what crimes the British Army did, what crimes Churchill did in India, all around the world, in African countries as well – they wouldn’t be so quick to be marching with St George’s crosses and stuff like that.”

More Originals, More Energy: A New Sound Emerges

Paddywhackery contains more original songs than The Mary Wallopers’ previous albums. Andrew Hendy explains that after mastering hundreds of traditional tunes on stage, the band found their true voice by writing new material.

“A lot of these songs are heavier and more uptempo... I was definitely thinking about the crowd having a better time when they’re listening to them.”

This shift reflects the band’s desire to capture the raw, rowdy energy of their live performances and bring that spirit into the studio.

Recording with James Skelly: Capturing the Raw Live Energy

The album was recorded swiftly over two weeks with James Skelly, known for his work with The Coral. This fast-paced recording style helped maintain the band’s dynamic.

“There’s a law of diminishing returns where every time you do a take, it gets a bit worse... Energy is more important than having everything polished.”

Andrew values the authenticity of live, raw recordings, believing that the slightly rough edges make the music more alive and impactful.

Speaking Out: The Victorious Festival Controversy

The Mary Wallopers don’t shy away from political statements. Last year at Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival, their set was cut short, and a Palestinian flag removed from their stage. They were accused of leading a discriminatory chant, a claim they disproved with their own video footage. The festival eventually apologized.

Reflecting on the incident, Andrew Hendy shares:

“If you believe in saying something that’s right, you should just do it regardless... We just want to show our support to people in Palestine.”

The band sees their act as a small gesture against a much larger tragedy and stands by their political engagement.

Solidarity from Fellow Artists

Following the controversy, other artists like The Last Dinner Party, The Architect, and Cliffords pulled out of the festival in solidarity. Vampire Weekend also made a supportive statement on stage.

“I’ll always have respect for the bands that did that because it shows they care more about what’s right than just getting their slot at the gig.”

For the Mary Wallopers, this support was both a relief and a validation of their stance.

Final Thoughts: An Album That Roars With Irish Spirit

With Paddywhackery, The Mary Wallopers bring a vibrant, heavier sound that holds a mirror to Irish identity, diaspora struggles, and political realities. This album isn’t just a collection of songs — it’s a loud, unapologetic statement about history, belonging, and the power of music to connect and challenge.

FAQ

• What is the meaning behind the album title ‘Paddywhackery’?
  It’s a term historically used to insult Irish people that The Mary Wallopers reclaim as a symbol of militant Irish pride and humor.
• How does ‘Crowns Of England’ reflect the band’s experience?
  The song illustrates the alienation and nostalgia felt by Irish immigrants living in England, navigating a complex historical relationship.
• Why did the band include more original songs on this album?
  After touring and mastering traditional songs, they wanted to craft a heavier, more energetic sound that truly reflects their live shows.
• What happened at the Victorious Festival with the Palestinian flag?
  Their set was cut off, and a Palestinian flag was removed from the stage amid accusations that were later disproven, with the festival issuing an apology.
• How did other artists respond to the Victorious Festival controversy?
  Several bands pulled out in protest, and Vampire Weekend voiced support, showing solidarity with The Mary Wallopers’ political message.

For fans inspired by The Mary Wallopers’ fierce Irish spirit and bold expression, why not bring that energy home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at Architeg Prints and celebrate the music that moves you.