Folk favourites the Wrafters for RTE show at the Ploughing in Offaly
Popular Westmeath musical family - the Wrafters - return to the National Ploughing Championships for another 'live' appearance on RTE radio 1's Oliver Callan show, on Tuesday, September 15
Irish folk and trad favourites The Wrafters are set to bring their trademark energy and musical flair to RTÉ Radio 1 once again when they appear on the Oliver Callan Show 'live' from the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore on September 15th.
The Wrafters are a unique family trio comprising father Peter Wrafter and his sons Conor and Thomas, three musicians who have built a reputation for delivering energetic, entertaining and highly interactive performances wherever they play. This appearance will see them return to the Oliver Callan Show after their hugely enjoyable performance at last year’s National Ploughing Championships.
“We’re delighted to be heading back to the Ploughing Championships and especially to be returning to the Oliver Callan Show,” says Peter Wrafter. “There’s always a fantastic atmosphere at the Ploughing, and playing together as a family makes it even more special. We’re looking forward to bringing plenty of music and a bit of craic to the show.”
The Wrafters also perform as The Wrafter Family Band when joined by mother Noreen and sister Aimee. The family first came to national prominence with an appearance on The Late Late Show in 2017, and have since made numerous television appearances while performing at some of Ireland’s most prestigious venues and events, including Dáil Éireann and the GPO. They have also had the distinction of opening for some of the biggest names in Irish music, including Nathan Carter, Johnny McEvoy, The Fureys , The High Kings, and George Murphy.
Their latest release as The Wrafter Family Band was the original song That Tune, written by Offaly songwriter and poet Anthony Sullivan. The upbeat folk-country song explores the way certain memories, people and loves can stay with us long after the moment has passed. For the Wrafters, however, it is their live performances that remain at the heart of what they do.
“We love playing the old favourites, but we also enjoy putting our own stamp on newer songs,” says Thomas Wrafter. “The most important thing for us is that the audience gets involved. We want people singing, clapping and having a good time with us.”
There is no shortage of musical talent within the trio. Conor Wrafter is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s finest young banjo players, while Thomas has already made a name for himself through his powerful vocals and ability to play multiple instruments. Together with their father Peter, they create a sound that combines the authenticity of Irish traditional music with the drive and excitement of a modern live act.
The Wrafters’ repertoire takes in folk and trad classics, alongside carefully crafted versions of more modern songs, delivered with the high-energy, up-tempo and interactive style for which the family has become known. Following their memorable appearance at last year’s National Ploughing Championships, they will once again have the opportunity to bring that unique Wrafter sound to a national audience.