The Buachaills

This week I had the pleasure of spending some time in the company of The Buachaills which comprises of Eoin Murphy, Aaron Dolan, Paudie O'Brien and Rob Carlile. The fifth member Eamonn Mulholland, in Canada on holiday, is due back any day now according to the lads. I asked the lads where it all started and how did they form the band. Paudie the elder statesman of the group replied that himself, and Eoin have been playing ballads together since 1992 when they were both members of the Castlelyons pipe band.

Padraig was a member of the Barleybog Sound while Eoin frequently made guest appearances with them. For the past 10 years Eoin went down the rock route playing bass in a number of bands including Burning Flames, The Smalltown Lovers and Refresh.  In October 2011 the two lads reunited for what was to be a one off performance. This reignited their love for ballads and after a few sessions they decided to "give it a go" again.

While playing one of those sessions they met the young talented uilleann piper Aaron Dolan and after seeing his potential, they immediately asked him to join them in their new adventure. Then in February 2012 the Buachaills were introduced to percussionist Eamonn Mulholland who joined them for their first gig in Cyprus Avenue. So impressed with his ability and the variation he brought to the band the lads asked him to come on board straight away. A short time after Rob Carlile fell in with the lads to finally complete the line up of the band.

Over the past year they have traveled and played in many noted venues all over Ireland as they embrace the songs and stories of the past whilst succeeding in making each one their own.  One of the main highlights for the lads was touring with The High Kings, they are gaining the attention of some of the major management companies and record labels.

These young men are transcending generational barriers with their unique interpretation of Ireland’s rich heritage through storytelling and song. The Summer of 2012 has been a busy one for The Buachaills with many festival appearances including The Rhythm Fest and Castlepalooza, where they were winners of The RTE, John Murray Show, New Bands competition, in association with The Castlepalooza Festival.

The Buachaills are honest, hard-working and modest in their success to date. They continue their residency in Cheers Bar, Fermoy, Co. Cork every Sunday night. Where the ballads are alive and well with The Buachaills. The energy and enthusiasm shown on stage, mixed with the skilled musicianship and captivating vocals is a must see for all music fans! The Buachaills stay true to themselves and their heritage. Loyalty to tradition and each other is their forte and this ethos combined with their exceptional capacity to entertain is the cause for their continuing musical success. To contact the band you can ring  Eoin Murphy on 085 1940767  or email them at thebuachaills@gmail.com

Shane Supple interviews The Buachaills by Shane Supple on Mixcloud