The Mary Wallopers have had a busy year. With the release of their sophomore album Irish Rock N Roll, international tours and a string of festival appearances including Glastonbury and Electric Picnic, the group have become one of Ireland's most talked about acts.

Having most recently seen them at the Gig for Gaza fundraiser in Dublin's 3Arena, it's a joy to witness their ever-growing popularity across the Irish Sea. A week before Christmas, their sold-out Barrowlands gig is, unsurprisingly, the hottest ticket in town. With plenty of heartbroken Celtic fans in the crowd, their day is swiftly turned around when the Dundalk outfit grace the stage.

A raucous performance of 'Bould O’Donoghue' of Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers renown puts the venue's sprung dance floor through its paces.

There are many Scottish, specifically Glaswegian ties in the songs that The Mary Wallopers play – and the reaction from the audience is utterly electric. Sean McKenna introduces a song written by the Glaswegian folk singer-songwriter Matt McGinn, who was born in 1928, a stone's throw from where we stand tonight.

"This song is about larger countries who are normally richer, invading smaller, poorer countries who are their neighbours – I can't think of any examples off the top of my head," he says wryly, which is met by laughter and great applause.

With a Palestinian flag proudly displayed on stage, McKenna declares "Free Palestine" before launching into the McGinn's anti-war song 'Lots of Little Soldiers'.

Dominic Behan's song 'Paddy On The Road' gets a huge reaction from the crowd. Charles Hendy is a force of nature. Having only released their debut album a little of a year ago, the Dundalk outfit have deftly honed their songwriting skills, crafting some exceptional modern folk songs such as 'The Idler' and 'Gates of Heaven'. The band describe the former as a song  "about people misplacing their frustration on others."

Lyrics like: "Don’t blame the idler who does the odd nixer/ Does the dd nixer while drawing the dole/ But blame the landlord his car’s like a concord/ And he’s charging fierce rent for a string of shitholes", resonate deeply with their young fanbase back home and here tonight.

One of The Mary Wallopers' best loved songs, Hamish Imlach's 1960s hit 'Cod Liver Oil and the Orange Juice' is a highlight for many, and goes down a treat with their Scottish fans.

What makes this band special is their ability to play their own original tracks seamlessly alongside giant folk songs like Ewan MacColl's 'Hot Asphalt'.

They also carry on all the spirit and punk attitude of The Pogues. In tribute to the one and only Shane MacGowan, The Mary Wallopers perform a remarkable version of 'Streams of Whiskey', which is a privilege to behold. Shane would be very proud.

I'm excited for what The Mary Wallopers have in store for us next year. Roll on 2024.