Singer-guitarist Seán McKenna has announced that he is leaving The Mary Wallopers after almost nine years with the acclaimed folk act.
In a statement posted to Instagram, McKenna said: "With another busy year of touring looming, I have decided to take a step back and put some time into a couple of projects I've been thinking about for a long time."
He said the band "started out as a bit of craic and none of us could've ever imagined where it would end up taking us".
"I'd like to thank everyone who helped and supported us over the years, every mad bastard that showed up to the gigs, and to thank my bandmates for all the music and memories along the way," McKenna continued.
"I'm making some movements at the minute and have some tunes in the works so keep an eye out," he added.
Commenting on the post, The Mary Wallopers told fans not to worry because they and McKenna "still love each other and will continue to get p***** together etc".
"We'll still be touring, just with a moustached [sic] shape hole in our lives," the group added.
They wished McKenna the best of luck and lots of love.
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