Junior Brother

Additional information

Junior Brother is the moniker of Kerry singer‑songwriter Ronan Kealy, one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from Ireland’s alternative folk underground. Singing in his own unapologetic accent and wielding a percussive, almost feral guitar style, he crafts songs that feel ancient and immediate all at once — part myth, part confession, part fever dream.

Raised in rural Kerry and steeped in the rhythms of Irish storytelling, Junior Brother has carved out a sound that sits far outside the folk mainstream: raw, dissonant, emotionally unguarded, and defiantly original. His debut 'Pull The Right Rope' earned a Choice Prize nomination, while 'The Great Irish Famine' and 'The End' pushed his vision into darker, more experimental territory, cementing him as a singular force in modern Irish music.

His latest album "The End" was nominated for 'RTE Choice Music Prize' Irish album of the year, and came in at #4 in Hotpress Magazine's albums of the year ahead of Florence and the Machine and Lily Allen, and #7 in Time Out London's albums of the year for 2025

Onstage, he’s magnetic — stamping out rhythms with a foot‑tambourine, bending melodies into strange, beautiful shapes, and delivering performances that feel ritualistic, vulnerable, and utterly alive.

Age 18+

Venue information

The New Cross Inn, located in the heart of London, is a vibrant, down-to-earth music venue celebrated for its passionate support of independent artists and diverse live performances. Since opening its doors, it has become a go-to destination for music lovers seeking an eclectic mix of genres, from punk and rock to indie and folk. Known for its welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere, the venue hosts gigs almost every night, creating a space where both up-and-coming and established acts can connect with their fans.

Whether you’re looking to catch an intimate acoustic set or a full-throttle rock show, the New Cross Inn has something for everyone. Over the years, it has welcomed artists of all levels to its stage. A cornerstone of London’s independent music scene, the New Cross Inn remains committed to its mission of fostering creativity and community in one of the city’s most musically passionate neighbourhoods.