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Short biography

The Kings of Connaught are a folk, ballad and trad trio from Galway — Mark Costello (vocals, guitar), Liam O’Grady (vocals, banjo) and Thomas Ryan (whistle, mandolin). Together since 2012, they have toured Ireland, the UK, Europe, the US and the UAE. Their repertoire includes Irish ballads, folk songs and traditional tunes.

Full biography

The Kings of Connaught are a Galway trio built around Irish folk songs, ballads and trad. Mark Costello (vocals, guitar), Liam O’Grady (vocals, banjo) and Thomas Ryan (whistle, mandolin) formed the band in 2012. They have released two studio albums and a run of singles, and have performed across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, the United States and the UAE. Their touring history includes Rockwood Music Hall in New York, a headline slot at Peoria Irish Fest, support to The Wolfe Tones at Semple Stadium, and performances alongside Leo Moran of the Saw Doctors, Sharon Shannon, Zoë Conway & John McIntyre and the Julie Fowlis band.

Press

Since 2012 the band has featured in newspaper articles, radio and TV interviews and podcasts across Ireland and abroad.

• Irish Star

  Irish trad band The Kings of Connaught say they are ‘very excited’ to embark on first ever US tour

• Irish Star

  The Kings of Connaught get ready for first-ever US shows after success in Europe

• Tuam Herald

  Joy and sadness as band reunite for charity concert

• Athlone Advertiser

  Kings of Connaught hold court at the Shearwater

• Galway Advertiser

  Listening in: The Rocky Road to Dublin

• Limerick Leader

  Limerick sky high concert for down to earth cause — the Chris Hadfield ‘Gig for Ghana’

Press quote

“Exciting young balladeers who sing with a rawness and emotion that is only comparable to the singing of The Dubliners.”