Damien Dempsey
Damien's career started with a bit of a false dawn back in 95. A single which failed to chart in his native Ireland was followed by another that just got into the 20 in 97.
The release of his debut album, "They Don't Teach This Shit In School" brought him to a wider audience. This was cemented by a support tour with Sinaed O'Connor.
His songs have been influenced by a wide range of activities and experiences, including the post pub singsongs that were regular events at his parents house.
Last year he was the only artist to pick up two Irish Meteor awards in a year when he was nominated for four. That was on the back of his second album Sieze The Day.
The new album, "Shots", was the first to get a simultaneous release in The UK and Ireland, going straight to number 1 in the latters chart.
I've not managed to catch Damien Dempsey live so far, something I intend to correct this year.
POST FESTIVAL VERDICT
The younger members of the FATEA crew fought their way down to the front for this and were well rewarded for their efforts. Folk's lost gender continues the fightback.