Always a significant event in the Irish music calendar, last night saw the 2017 IMRO Irish Live Music Venue of the Year Awards recognise some of the island’s best live music venues.
Held at the IMRO HQ in Dublin, the following venues were awarded the top prize for their respective region:
Dublin – Whelan’s (pictured)
Rest of Leinster – The Set Theatre
Connacht – Roisin Dubh
Munster – Connolly’s Of Leap
Ulster – Leo’s Tavern
Coming out on top as the National Live Music Venue of the Year was Mike The Pies in Listowel, Co. Kerry. Elsewhere, Electric Picnic won the IMRO Music Festival of the Year and Another Love Story were well-deserving winners of the IMRO Small Live Music Festival.
Vicar Street in Dublin won the IMRO Tech Crew of the Year, the IMRO Outstanding Contribution to Live Music was awarded to the late, great Willie Meighan of Rollercoaster Records in Kilkenny, while Vicar Street scooped the Hot Press Live Venue of the Year.
Victor Finn, IMRO Chief Executive said “A strong live music circuit is the lifeblood of a vibrant music industry. It is important that we acknowledge those venue owners and festivals promoters whose commitment, passion and support for live music throughout the country enables music creators to continue making the music we all enjoy”.
The awards were voted for by over 12,000 IMRO members.
