The Fleadh Cowboys were formed in 1985 by Johnny Moynihan, Pete Cummins and Frankie Lane, in Kenny's pub in Westland Row in Dublin.

Guests at the venue included Mary Coughlan, Shane MacGowan, The Waterboys, The Hothouse Flowers, Nanci Griffith, John Prine and Joe Ely.

Pete Cummins (the band's main songwriter) released his debut solo album The Brilliant Architect in 2008 to critical acclaim.

In May 2011 the band was reformed by Pete Cummins to organize a charity event at Dublin's Button Factory, with guests Lisa Hannigan, Gay Woods, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Henry McCullough, Siobhán O'Brien, Mundy, Tír na nÓg and others.

Artists who contributed were The Fleadh Cowboys, Christy Moore, Sweeny's Men, Mick Spillane, Johnny Duhan, Honor Heffernan, James Delaney, Philip Donnelly, Mick Flannery, Ed Deane Band, Siobhan O Brien, Sara Petite, Victor McCullough, Alan Murphy, Kevin Doherty.