Local Kilkenny band Burnchurch delivered a superb opening set at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre Saturday night, as support for Hothouse Flowers, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening. Their blend of powerful musicianship, rich harmonies and genuine stage presence shows why they are a band to be watched out for in the future!
Playing a set of original songs, which were strongly influenced by their collective love of the Irish language, they definitely made everyone sit up and take notice!
Composed of siblings Sadhbh, Síofra, Éanna and Ruairí Ó’Casaide, and named after their native townsland in Kilkenny, Burnchurch were originally formed during the Covid 19 lockdown, and began their musical journey busking The Parade in Kilkenny City. This family unity, and learning their trade on the streets, has stood to them and honed them into a tight knit and highly talented group. This was very evident from their performance in Ballykeeffe, and added to by a guest appearance from their very own father Seathrún, a highly talented musician in his own right!
For such a young group, they are definitely making a splash! Most notably in their instrumental piece “Ringwalk (Coming Home) which was composed specifically as the walkout music for one Katie Taylor at her homecoming fight at the 3 Arena!
Against the stunning backdrop of Ballykeeffe, every song felt at home, creating an atmosphere that had the audience engaged from start to finish. A band that continues to go from strength to strength and one well worth catching live. It was great to see a local group flying the flag for Kilkenny, and showing us that the future of Irish bands is very very bright!
Some bands play concerts. Hothouse Flowers create moments, and that’s exactly what happened at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre on Saturday night.
Fresh from their appearance at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, the band was locked, loaded and ready to entertain.
From the opening notes, there was an ease about the performance that only comes from musicians who have spent decades playing together. Nothing felt rehearsed for the sake of perfection. Songs stretched and breathed, taking unexpected turns before effortlessly finding their way home again. Liam Ó Maonlaí remains one of the most captivating frontmen you’ll ever see, delivering every lyric with the same passion and honesty that has defined the band since the beginning.
The set drew from across their catalogue, with favourites such as Don’t Go, Movies, This Is It (Your Soul) and It’ll Be Easier in the Morning reminding everyone just how timeless these songs have become. They weren’t simply played they were rediscovered, each one given fresh life through improvisation, rich harmonies and the sheer joy the band clearly still finds in performing together.
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when, at the request of Liam, as the music faded and, instead of inviting applause, the audience were asked for a moment of silence. It was a deeply moving tribute to all those who have lost their lives in recent wars and unrest around the globe, and to their dear friend Glen Hansard, whose tragic passing has left a huge void in Irish music. In an amphitheatre usually filled with cheers, the silence said more than applause ever could.
As emotions lifted once more, the band reminded everyone that celebration and reflection can happily share the same stage. For the second-last song, children from the audience were invited up to dance alongside the band. Their laughter, unselfconscious energy and huge smiles summed up everything Hothouse Flowers have always been about community, inclusion and the simple joy of live music.
There were no gimmicks, no elaborate production and no need for spectacle. Just five exceptional musicians, songs that have stood the test of time, and an audience completely wrapped up in every note. In a world where so many live shows follow a script, Hothouse Flowers continue to make every performance feel unique. Saturday night at Ballykeeffe wasn’t just another stop on the tour, it was one of those evenings that everyone lucky enough to be there will remember for a long time.
Burnchurch photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Feeling
Tonnta
Ghostown
Instrumental Pipes Tune
Sunshowers
Can You Imagine
Ar Ais Abhaile
Samba na hÉireann
Hothouse Flowers photos:
Photos & Words – Lar Gilmartin @larsoffthebeatphotography