MUSIC Rula Bula playing in Westport this Sunday

Get Cosy with Rula Bula


Rula Bula, a five-piece traditional Irish folk band from Emyvale, Co Monaghan, are playing this Sunday, July 8, in Cosy Joe’s, Westport. Mark Skinnader, Patrick Mc Kenna, Cathal Mohan, Scott Griffin and GrΡinne Daly stumbled upon each other while playing music sessions around Emyvale and Rula Bula was created.
The five’s different musical influences combined together result in a unique take and sound on well known traditional Irish folk songs along with a mix of current songs with an Irish twist as well as original material in the works. Every session is guaranteed to provide lively entertainment.
At the tender age of 23, Patrick ‘The Cub’ Mc Kenna has skills beyond his years. His prowess on the mandolin and bouzouki is winning much acclaim – as are his on stage antics, which see him literally climb over the rest of the band and any surrounding furniture to showcase his skills. He has also been known to take the microphone too.
Cathal ‘Old Man’ Mohan, the oldest member of Rula Bula at an ancient 28 years, is billed as a poet, musician, songwriter and guitarist. Cathal, who writes most of the band’s original material, is influenced by the likes of Noel and Liam Gallagher, Luke Kelly, Jeff Lynne and Christy Moore.
Traditional Irish singer Mark ‘The Voice’ Skinnader, also 28 years old, provides the lead vocals, though he also tries his hand at the guitar and bodhrΡn. Mark says he draws his musical influences from Luke Kelly and Christy Moore, and from his fellow band member Cathal Mohan.
Scott Griffin captivates audiences with his violin skills – watch out for his solos too. Another multi-instrumentalist, he also plays the piano.
Finally, GrΡinne Daly – she may be the only girl, the youngest and the smallest member of Rula Bula, but it takes her little or no effort in making her presence known as soon as she lays in to a tune with her accordion. Grainne also provides whistle accompaniment and has what her band mates have said is ‘a voice that an angel would be jealous of’.
Five reasons to make sure you catch this band this weekend.

Rula Bula are playing this Sunday, July 8, in Cosy Joe’s, Bridge Street, Westport.-