Band from town on Offaly border to take part in 'Sounds of Ireland' gig
Kilbeggan trio The Wrafters- Peter, Conor, and Thomas Wrafter - will share the stage with Mick McLoughlin, Conor Furey and George Murphy & The Rising Sons at The Auld Shebeen in Moate on Saturday, November 14.
THE Wrafters are set to bring their distinctive blend of Irish music, folk and balladry to Sounds of Ireland, a special live music event taking place at The Auld Shebeen, Moate, on Saturday, November 14. The trio, comprising father Peter Wrafter and sons Conor and Thomas, will join three other acts for an evening celebrating Irish music and performance in the heart of the Midlands. With the concert getting underway at 8pm, the event promises a varied line-up bringing together established performers and musical traditions with a contemporary edge.
Based in Kilbeggan, the Wrafters have steadily built a reputation as a compelling live act, drawing on the musical experience and close family connection that have helped establish the wider Wrafter Family Band. Their national profile received a significant boost with the family's memorable appearance on RTÉ's The Late Late Show on St Patrick's Night in 2017, performing The Blarney Stone.
Since then, the Wrafters have appeared at major events, shared stages with leading names in Irish entertainment and earned a warm reception at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford in 2024. Their original single, That Tune, written by Offaly poet and songwriter Anthony Sullivan, further showcased the trio's musical development and their ability to bring fresh material to an audience while remaining rooted in the Irish folk tradition.
The evening's company will include Mick McLoughlin, Conor Furey, and George Murphy & The Rising Sons. Murphy first came to national attention through RTÉ's You're A Star and has since developed a successful career as a singer and performer. With The Rising Sons, he brings together traditional Irish instrumentation, folk influences and rock 'n' roll energy, creating a sound that balances much-loved classics with original material.
Conor Furey continues a celebrated family musical legacy, while McLoughlin is known for his distinctive voice and performances of Irish songs and ballads. Together, the four acts offer audiences a broad musical programme, united by a shared appreciation of Irish song, storytelling and live performance.
The venue, The Auld Shebeen on Moate's Main Street, provides a fitting Midlands setting for an evening of live entertainment. Moate has long been an important stopping point between the larger towns and cities of the region, and the event offers music lovers an opportunity to enjoy a substantial line-up without travelling farther afield.
With the Wrafters representing their neighbouring Kilbeggan community, the concert also brings a strong local connection to a bill featuring performers with audiences throughout Ireland. The combination of familiar songs, individual musical styles and the atmosphere of a live Irish venue should make Sounds of Ireland an appealing night out for fans of folk, ballads and traditional music.
~ Sounds of Ireland takes place at The Auld Shebeen, Moate, on Saturday, November 14, with music from 8pm until late. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, via the event's online listing.
With The Wrafters joining Mick McLoughlin, Conor Furey and George Murphy & The Rising Sons, the concert promises a lively celebration of Irish music and the performers who continue to carry it forward. Music fans are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance for what promises to be a memorable night in Moate.