The Ploughboys have quite a colorful history...

After extensive research (and even more extensive drinking!), it’s difficult to say just when the band started. Geoff had been hosting an annual St. Patrick’s Day party since the early 90’s, and after several pints of green beer, invariably he would grab his guitar at the end of the night and start singing Irish songs. One by one, Geoff sucked the rest of the guys into his drunken mayhem. First Jay… then Marty… then Bill…. and the rest, as they say, can be read in the police file.

Their first pub gig was in December 2000 at a little pub in Oakbrook called Finn McCool’s. They barely had enough songs to fill up the three-hour gig. Plus, who would notice if they played Finnegan’s Wake two or three times? The pub was extremely small… or cozy, as they like to say. Let’s just say that with the 8 people that were brave enough to endure that first fateful show, the pub was about filled to capacity. From there, the only way was up! So the next day, they bought a bottle of Bushmills (okay, a few bottles), went to Geoff’s house, and actually started practicing some new material.

With their guitars in tune (well, not really), and livers trembling, they started playing out at the Kerry Piper on Thursday nights. After about a year playing at the Kerry Piper, honing their musical skills and developing their unique brand of Irish music, they decided to take their “show” (using the word loosely) on the road.

Since then, The Ploughboys have been turned down at nearly every major venue across the world – Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and Budakan, just to name a few. So, they had to settle for a more humble touring regimen – the greater Chicagoland area.

Today, you can find them delivering their musical stylings at area pubs like the Kerry Piper, Gaelic Park, Gilhooley’s, and wherever else they can drink for free!

Geoff Malone

Geoff Picked up his first guitar at the age of 10, and has been on stage ever since.

Geoff has performed in numerous pop and rock bands as well as solo performances. His love of Irish music and his passion for the stage brought him to The Ploughboys.

Geoff plays the 6 and 12 string guitars and mandolin. He is also the official foot stomper of the band.

Jason Trtan

Hello,
I'm Jason. I'm the 'Token' Croation of the group. I play Bass, Guitar, and am known to sing a song or two when the mood hits me. I'm also an Aries who enjoys water sports and quiet nights at home with my loofa.

Marty Walsh

Marty's interest in Irish music started at an early age. While living in Carrick-on-suir, County Tipperary, he was surrounded by music.

His father sang in local pubs and his mother was involved in the community theater. There was always a session in the pub or at a relatives house.

Marty's musical interests are quite diverse. His CD collection includes everything from The Clancy Brothers to The Greatful Dead to Primus.

When the band isn't performing, Marty is usually out seeing live concerts - Phil Lesh & Freinds and Leftover Salmon are two of his favorites.

Bill Holton

Growing up in Fermoy, County Cork, Bill was surrounded by music and dance. His father was well known as a gifted tenor. As a boy, Bill excelled and competed in Tin Whistle competitions throughout the area. Bill also claims that he can play the accordian, 'though no-one has actually seen him do it!!!!