The IMRO live music venue awards took place last night in IMRO HQ on Pembroke Row in Dublin. It was the tenth edition of the awards recognising Irish venues and festivals.
The main prize was the National Live Music Venue of the Year 2017 , which was decided by public vote and went to Mike The Pies, Listowel Co Kerry.
The awards were voted for by over 12,000 IMRO members and the winners on the night were:
Dublin – Whelan’s
Rest of Leinster – The Set Theatre
Connacht – Roisin Dubh
Munster – Connolly’s Of Leap
Ulster – Leo’s Tavern
IMRO Music Festival of the Year – Electric Picnic
IMRO Small Live Music Festival 2017 – Another Love Story
IMRO Tech Crew of the Year -Vicar St
The IMRO Outstanding Contribution to Live Music accolade was awarded this year to Willie Meighan, formally proprietor of Rollercoaster Records in Kilkenny, who sadly passed away in November 2017, aged just 48. Willie’s beloved partner Aisling and Willie’s family members were at the ceremony to accept this special Award.
Le Boom, Chasing Abbey and Wild Youth also performed.
Hot Press Editor Niall Stokes also gave special commendations, presenting awards to Vicar St Hot Press Live Venue of the Year for 2018 / INEC, Killarney and Kavanagh’s of Portlaoise.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
