Cormac Looby & Pádraig Hughes

“Blending songwriting with elements of folk, pop, and rock, the duo’s sound carries a significant, soundtrack-like emotional weight.” – Hot Press

Singer-songwriter Cormac Looby and Galway producer Pádraig Hughes bring their horses EP launch tour to Smock Alley Theatre with support from Róisín Gowen. This collaborative project tackles themes of anxiety, growth and loss with heavy influence from artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Samia and Ben Howard.

Age Suitability: 16+

WRITTEN BY Cormac Looby & Pádraig Hughes
KEYBOARD Tadgh Gleeson
BASS GUITAR Caolan Walsh
LEAD GUITAR Daire Canavan
VOCALS Ciara Clarke

TICKETS €22

RUNNING TIME 1 hr 30 mins no interval

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Cormac Looby is a singer-songwriter from Co. Tipperary. He combines elements of folk, pop, and rock; with introspective and honest song-writing. Cormac’s music has featured on RTE Radio 1 Recommends, BBC Introducing and he has headlined venues like Roisin Dubh, Workman’s Club and two sold-out shows in Whelan’s Upstairs. He has previously supported acts such as David Keenan, Maria Kelly, Seba Safe, and in 2024 opened the show for Ye Vagabonds and Susan O’Neill at the ‘When Next We Meet’ festival in Tipperary. That year also saw the release of his debut album ‘A Perpetual State Of Irony’. This release was followed up with a solo Irish tour, a number of festivals and opening slots for Niamh Regan and Gavin James. November 2025 saw Cormac undertake his first international tour in Germany supported by Culture Ireland.

Galway-born musician and producer Pádraig Hughes has spent fifteen years as a drummer across big bands, rock, funk and indie acts, setting foot on stage in Whelan’s, the Róisín Dubh, and the National Concert Hall. Picking the guitar back up after years away, he found a new focus on production – alternative tunings, layered textures, and a darker sonic palette. “Don’t Make Me Long For england” marks his debut as a producer and the beginning of a creative collaboration with Cormac Looby.