Kingfishr puts Killeagh in the global spotlight
Daniel O’Neill
An East Cork village is the unlikely inspiration for a single that has hit number 4 in both the Irish Official Singles Chart and on Spotify’s Irish Chart.
Kingfishr are Ireland’s most recent breakout talent taking the world by storm with their newest Cork inspired track.
The song called ‘Killeagh’ was inspired by bassist Eoin Fitzgibbon’s sporting past in his local hurling club. Named after the GAA hurling club, it was made as an anthem for the team after a current player gave the band the idea to write the song. It debuted in Cork last November and since has hooked listeners both nationally and internationally.
The band’s banjo player Eoghan ‘McGoo’ McGrath said: “Fitz is from a small town in east Cork called Killeagh, after which the song is named. He played hurling for his club for close to 20 years before turning his hand to music due to injury. We wrote the song in support of his club, specifically an East County final that they just won. It’s about the pride of belonging somewhere and references the local area heavily.”
Currently the track is at number 4 on the Irish Official Singles Chart, marking not only the band’s first top 10 single but also stapling them as the only Irish act in the current top 10.
The success of ‘Killeagh’ should be no surprise considering the band’s steady rise to fame since their debut. Their headline tour sold 23,000 tickets last year across Ireland and the UK, and their upcoming North American and European gigs have almost sold out.
Their upcoming gigs in Ireland have already sold 30,000 tickets with many of the shows already being sold out. They also recently hit another milestone, announcing their first ever headline arena show at 3 Arena on 19 December.
The band also gave their Cork fanbase a special treat Monday evening when they announced a surprise gig at the Courthouse Tavern. They announced the show at 7pm, and by 7.45pm the venue was at max capacity. For those who couldn't get into the event, speakers were put up so outsiders could enjoy the performance.
From opening as support acts for Bruce Springsteen and Snow Patrol to now headlining their first arena show, it’s clear Kingfishr will only continue to rise to fame. Their blend of contemporary indie-rock and Irish trad has not only captivated the nation but also global music lovers.
Kingfishr will perform in Cork at 2 sold out shows at The Marquee on 16 July and 24 July. Tickets for the 3 Arena gig go on sale at 10am on Friday 4 April and can be purchased at Kingfishr.os.fan.