Ben brings warmth and sincerity to a repertoire influenced by Irish ballads, folk and country music, by Candlelight in a unique setting!

Ben Dunford by Candlelight

Based in Dungarvan, County Waterford, Ben Dunford is a singer and musician with a natural affinity for Irish ballads, folk and country music.

Ben’s performances are marked by an honest and unforced style, allowing the story and emotion of each song to take centre stage. Whether delivering a reflective ballad or a familiar country favourite, he brings warmth, sincerity and a strong connection with his audience.

Deeply rooted in his local community, Ben represents the kind of musical tradition that has long been at the heart of gatherings across Ireland: good songs, meaningful stories and music shared simply and genuinely. His voice is particularly suited to songs that speak of home, family, memory and place, giving his performances an intimate and personal quality.

Ben continues to build his profile as a performer while remaining closely connected to Dungarvan and the wider Waterford community. His appearance offers audiences the opportunity to enjoy a talented local musician whose performances are grounded in authenticity and a genuine love of music.

The Boyo's:

The Boyos bring together Paudie Coen, Tom Doran and Whack Dwyer – three seasoned musicians with a shared love of Irish traditional music, ballads and a good live session.

Paudie Coen is perhaps best known through The Rebel Hearts, the Tipperary band whose music stretches from traditional tunes and Irish ballads through to folk and rock. Paudie has been at the heart of the group since its beginnings, contributing vocals, flute and whistles, while Tom Doran has also been part of the Rebel Hearts story on bass and vocals.

Together with Whack Dwyer, they become The Boyos, a three-piece ballad and traditional group that has developed a reputation for lively sessions built around familiar songs, traditional tunes and plenty of character. They have become regular performers around Tipperary, including appearances in Clonmel where they have been brought back by popular demand.

There is nothing over-produced about The Boyos. Their appeal is in the kind of music that works best when musicians and audience are close together – great songs, great playing, a few stories and the spontaneity of an Irish session. That should make them particularly suited to the intimate surroundings of St. John the Baptist Church when they join Ben Dunford for Ardmayle After Dark – By Candlelight on Friday, 11 September.

Description supplied by the event organiser.