“I believe it’s significant that we maintain the novelty,” states Eddie Keogh, the lead singer of Kingfishr. “We aim to preserve that ‘pinch yourself’ feeling.”
The Irish band has achieved remarkably rapid success in just over a year. A little over 12 months ago, Clash saw the group performing at Glastonbury, squeezed into a remote tent on a Sunday morning. To their astonishment, the tent was packed – a spark that ignited a lasting fire.
“We were all a bit hungover,” confesses Eoin ‘Fitz’ Fitzgibbon. “We’d been having a good time! We saw the previous band, and it was a little quiet… so we thought, that’s alright. Let’s play and get out of there. No problem. Five minutes before going on, we peeked around the stage and… it was completely full!”
Clash is speaking with Kingfishr backstage at the Faltering Fullback, a pub in North London known for its beer garden and deep ties to the local Irish community, highlighted by its renowned pint of Guinness. The venue is set to host a very special performance by Kingfishr. The band’s debut album was released just days ago, and the weary-looking group has been busy promoting it. To say they’re enjoying themselves would be an understatement – it’s truly a dream come true for them.
“Things have changed so rapidly,” Eddie Keogh remarks. “You just feel overwhelmed by everything that’s happening. It’s been nothing but good news – we’ve even had to put a ban on good news in the green room as it’s just so intense!” The band formed while studying in Limerick, and by chance, the release day found Kingfishr back where it all began, performing a massive show for friends, family, and many fans. “It felt like a victory lap in a way. And it was poetic since the album release got postponed several times; it’s a coincidence that everything aligned like that,” Eddie reflects.
Bandmate Eoghan ‘McGoo’ McGrath is recharging on a chair nearby, getting ready for tonight’s special performance. “We’re obviously physically exhausted,” he points out, “but it’s a dream we’re living. Each day feels surreal; we’ve invested so much time in this, and now it’s a tangible reality. It’s an absolute privilege.”
United by their friendship, Kingfishr’s journey began almost immediately after they finished their studies. After completing their final exams, they were invited to support Hermitage Green at a significant show in Limerick, reflecting the supportive spirit of the city’s music scene. “We’ve been incredibly fortunate,” Eddie Keogh marvels, “almost in a sketchy, unsettling way. But I guess the essence of music lies in being lucky enough to be at the right moment, in the right place, at the right time.”
He adds, “We’re very, very fortunate indeed to have found each other when we did.”
One striking instance of that right place/right time philosophy is the success of Kingfishr’s song ‘Killeagh’. Written in just 20 minutes, essentially to fulfill a promise to a friend, its slow-burning success has transformed the song into a local anthem and an Irish hit. Reaching No. 1 in Ireland, it pays homage to hurling while its themes of community and identity could solidify its place in the Irish folk song tradition forever.
At that evening’s performance, the song’s popularity is evident – the enormous crowd spills out into the street, singing along to every word. It has become a modern-day ‘Fields Of Athenry’ – stirring and sincere, ‘Killeagh’ feels as if it could have been penned decades ago or just yesterday.
“When I promised a friend I would write it, I didn’t actually inform the guys,” reveals Eoin ‘Fitz’ Fitzgibbon. “It happened after a few drinks. I thought, it’ll never come to fruition.”
Encouraged to keep his promise, the band gathered, and after around 20 minutes, ‘Killeagh’ was born – named after the Cork village, it showcases Kingfishr's instinctive creativity. “It was all unconscious,” Fitz explains. “It was like: this part goes here, that part fits there.” Eddie Keogh believes it showcases the tight bond the three musicians share. “I felt it was probably the most cohesive – narratively speaking – song we’ve ever crafted. It unfolds like a nursery rhyme – there’s no excess, no part that could be removed.”
‘Killeagh’ is unapologetically Irish, both in a broad traditional sense and in its unique connection to the band’s personal narratives. It’s another remarkable moment from Ireland's music scene – the week following Kingfishr’s debut, CMAT releases her massive ‘Euro-Country’. There’s
Kofi Stone is set to launch his new album 'All The Flowers Have Bloomed' later this year. Although the rapper is grounded in UK hip-hop, his innovative style has
YUQI sits down with CLASH to talk about her debut solo single, ‘Motivation’, revealing a different aspect of herself and giving a sneak peek at future i-dle music. While creating
The MOBO Awards, the largest and most significant event honoring Black music and culture in Europe, will be held in Manchester for the first time as part of
Breaking away from the collective identity: what JADE’s solo debut reveals about shaping a personal identity...
Happy Mondays have announced plans for a major UK tour next year. The band is nearing the 35th anniversary of their iconic album ‘Pills ‘n’ Thrills.’
Lewis Capaldi is set to headline BST Hyde Park and Roundhay Festival next summer, as part of an extensive lineup of outdoor shows. The musician's latest
Eddie Keogh, the lead singer of Kingfishr, states, “I believe it’s crucial to keep the novelty alive. We aim to maintain that ‘pinch yourself’ feeling.”