During a trip to Slovakia in 2017, Dublin born musicians banjo player Adam J. Holohan and guitar player Tomás Mulligan discovered how much they enjoyed playing music together and decided to start a band. Not long after, while sitting at the bar of the famous Cobblestone Pub in Dublin's Smithfield Square, and drinking the strongest ale the Four Provinces Brewery had to offer, inspiration struck and they decided upon a name; Ispíní na hÉireann, and thus the Sausages of Ireland was born.
As years went on the band grew to include cellist Aongus MacAmhlaigh, bodhrán extraordinaire Cian ‘Kinko’ Ó Ceallaigh, and a saxophone and Uilleann Pipes player Pádraig Óg Mac Aodhagáin to round out the greasy ranks, as well as guest players from all over the island.
Ispíní na hÉiereann’s music is a combination of original songs as well as reimagined covers and tunes, all influenced by the Irish musical tradition. There are layers of subtext and commentary, and a genuine method to all the madness. And as with any great art it is left open to the interpretation of the listener. It is up to the audience to decide whether or not this is all waffle, or if deeper meaning can be found amidst the chaotic noise.
On October 28, 2022 Ispíní na hÉiereann proudly debuted their album, The Hard Working Men. It is the result of years of effort, frustration, and spontaneous brainfarts, and they hope that somewhere along the way it can make you crack a smile.
