One of the founding members of the successful Donegal band Little Hours has told fans his time with the group has ended.

L-R, John Doherty and Ryan McCloskey of Little Hours

Guitarist and vocalist Ryan Mc Closkey revealed last night that he had played his last show with the band at Electric Picnic earlier this month.

Ryan was one half of the founding duo behind the alternative pop band that was set up with his fellow Killybegs native John Doherty in 2014.

The four-piece played the main stage at Electric Picnic this year, marking a major milestone since their first appearance at the festival in their early days. The band have since gathered a major following with the release of hits including Water and How Could I Love You?

Little Hours at Electric Picnic 2017

Ryan issued a statement to say he was leaving the band on good terms and is embarking on a career move.

He said: “I want to be very clear that there’s been no falling out between me and John, this is just a career move for me. It feels like a good time to try out something different and I need to take some time out to do that.”

Little Hours appeared on the Late Late Show in February 2017

Ryan looked back on his experience with the band as a privilege and said he will still be heard on many upcoming releases. He thanked fans for their support and assured them that his time with Little Hours has not wound up just yet.

“We’ll still be writing songs in the future and I might appear for a gig sometime again.

“There are still so many songs to come out that I’ve been lucky to be apart of and mean so much to me. I can’t wait to hear what you think of them.

“I want to wish John and Little Hours the best of luck going forward, Its been an amazing journey up until now and I know there’s even bigger things to come.”

Fans expressed their shock and sadness at this news, with many wishing Ryan all the best in his career and wishing the remaining band members good luck in the future.