Athlone band to open for The Frank and Walters in Tullamore this Friday

by Conor Burke

Athlone band COPA will be playing support to renowned Cork performers The Frank and Walters this coming Friday (October 16) at John Lees Music Venue in Tullamore.

The local band secured the opportunity after a winning Battle of the Bands competition as part of Culture Night Offaly. COPA and Evan Curling from Killeigh were selected as winners of the contest, which was also held at the John Lees venue last month.

COPA beat out four other acts for the opportunity to take to the stage on Friday night. Foot Squeaker from Wexford will also be playing support to The Frank and Walters.

COPA is made up of Athlone teenagers Joey Dunne (guitar/vocals), Antonio Quinn Canton (drums), Nathan Quigley (bass) and Aoife Naughton (vocals).

The local band is growing in stature, having already played at Electric Picnic thanks to their victory in the Electric Youth Talent Competition, which earned them a slot on the Hazelwood Stage in 2025.

The Frank and Walters' gig in Tullamore will be an acoustic set which will feature tracks from the band's classic album Grand Parade, now celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Tickets, priced €25, are available from leesbar.ie.