The Kilkennys

The Kilkennys

The Kilkennys are a four-piece traditional Irish ballad group from Ireland. They form in Kilkenny, where Dave Cashin, Adam Cashin and Tommy Mackey begin the group while attending St. Kierans College. Robbie Campion later joins to complete the line-up. The band first performs under the name Uisce Beatha before changing to The Kilkennys, a move linked to the need for a more distinctive name and to their pride in their Kilkenny roots.

They work in Irish folk and folk rock, with a sound built around close vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation. The group includes David Cashin on vocals, mandolin, banjo and whistles; Adam Cashin on vocals, bodhrán and percussion; Robbie Campion on vocals, guitar and banjo; and Tommy Mackey on vocals and bass guitar.

The Kilkennys sign to Dolphin Records, alongside artists associated with Irish folk and traditional music including Mary and Frances Black, Liam Clancy, Dolores Keane, Ronnie Drew, Jack L and Sonny Knowles. They tour widely in Ireland and perform internationally, including in Scotland, Germany and the United States. They also share stages with Shane McGowan, Finbarr Furey and Ronnie Drew.

They are known for a heavy live schedule across Ireland and for their traditional ballad repertory. Their output includes a debut album and live DVD, and their profile is built around live performance, touring and vocal arrangement.