Gig for Gaza: Kíla & Friends Bring Music and Comedy to McHugh’s Drogheda
If you’re looking for a seriously good night out in Drogheda this October, Gig for Gaza: Kíla & Friends is shaping up to be one to have on the calendar.
Award-winning Irish band Kíla will headline the fundraising gig at McHugh’s in Drogheda on Sunday, 25th October, 2026, with a stacked line-up of local music, comedy and plenty of craic — all in aid of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
And with Kíla, Disko Volante, SJ McArdle and Tara Dignam on the music bill, plus comedians Fred Cooke and Joe Rooney, this isn't exactly your standard Sunday night in town.
Kíla Headline Gig for Gaza in Drogheda
Kíla have been doing their own brilliantly unclassifiable thing for close to four decades, blending Irish traditional music and Gaeilge with rock, world music and a whole load of other influences.
The Dublin band have built a reputation for explosive live shows and have toured extensively around the world. They've also brought their distinctive sound to the big screen, contributing to the soundtracks of the acclaimed Cartoon Saloon films The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea and Wolfwalkers.
So, yes — having Kíla headline a fundraiser in Drogheda is a pretty big deal.
They'll be joined by Disko Volante, SJ McArdle and Tara Dignam, giving the night a strong local flavour alongside the headline act.
Fred Cooke and Joe Rooney Add the Comedy
It won't all be music, either.
Comedian Fred Cooke, familiar to audiences from Republic of Telly, Dancing with the Stars and The Tommy Tiernan Show, will bring his stand-up chops to the night.
Drogheda's own Joe Rooney will also be getting involved. Best known to many as Father Damo from Father Ted and Timmy Higgins from RTÉ's Killinaskully, Rooney is a veteran of the Irish comedy circuit and will host the event.
In other words, expect the evening to move pretty freely between live music, stand-up and the sort of atmosphere you'd hope for from a proper Drogheda night out.
A Drogheda Gig With a Bigger Purpose
The event is being organised by Deadly Craic Events, with all proceeds going to Médecins Sans Frontières, supporting the organisation's humanitarian medical work in Gaza.
Organiser Ellen O'Reilly says the aim was to create an event that people would actually be excited to attend while raising as much money as possible for the cause. The combination of a major Irish act, homegrown talent and comedy is all part of making the fundraiser a genuinely enjoyable night while supporting Médecins Sans Frontières.
The organisation works in some of the world's most difficult environments, providing emergency medical care through hospitals, field hospitals, clinics and medical points.
Gig for Gaza: Kíla & Friends — What You Need to Know
Venue: McHugh’s, Drogheda
Date: Sunday, 25th October, 2026
Featuring: Kíla, Disko Volante, SJ McArdle, Tara Dignam, Fred Cooke and Joe Rooney
Tickets available at Eventbrite.
For anyone who likes their Irish music loud, lively and a little bit left of centre, this looks like a particularly good excuse to head out in Drogheda over the October Bank Holiday weekend.
Kíla headline, local talent fills out the bill, two familiar Irish comedy faces are on hosting and stand-up duties, and the money raised goes towards an important humanitarian cause.
Not a bad way to spend a Sunday night.
Tickets - Eventbrite.
Photo Credit: Disko Volante
