Dublin venue The Sugar Club was a double winner at the IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards, taking home the honours in the National and Dublin categories.
Dundalk's Spirit Store, Monroe's in Galway, Cork's St Luke's and Letterkenny's An Grianán Theatre were also among the winners at the ceremony, which was held at the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) offices in Dublin.
So chuffed with our win at the @IMROireland #IMROVenueAwards tonight. Big shout out to all the musicians & artists we've hosted over the last 20 years, & most importantly to all of our customers. YOU are what make it possible. Keep coming to the shows . Keep supporting the music!
— Spirit Store (@SpiritStore) February 26, 2019
Thrilled to have won the @IMROireland Live Venue of the Year for Connacht! #IMROawards #awardseason pic.twitter.com/nCFDH7f1xh
— Monroe's Live (@MonroesLive) February 26, 2019
Absolutely chuffed to pick up the Hot Press Live Music Venue special commendation award AND the IMRO Munster Venue of the Year award tonight.
— Live At St. Luke's (@LiveAtStLukes) February 26, 2019
Very grateful for all the support. Onwards and upwards 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/JSoaU5VZK7
🥳 Woohoo! https://t.co/j95t9a0CF4
— An Grianan Theatre (@angrianan) February 26, 2019
The Festival of the Year award for 2018 went to All Together Now, with Wexford Spiegeltent Festival winning the Small Festival award.
"We're privileged in Ireland to have such a vibrant and eclectic live music scene, which is the backbone of the music industry as a whole," said Victor Finn, IMRO Chief Executive.
"We feel it is vital to acknowledge the venues and festivals who support live music from a musician's first performance right through to internationally known headline artists on main stages.
"It is these venues and festivals across the country that allow music creators to continue making music and bring it to new audiences."
The Winners:
IMRO National Live Venue of the Year 2018 - The Sugar Club, Dublin
IMRO Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year 2018 - The Sugar Club, Dublin
IMRO Rest of Leinster Live Music Venue of the Year 2018 - The Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co Louth
IMRO Connacht Live Music Venue of the Year 2018 - Monroe's, Galway
IMRO Munster Live Music Venue of the Year 2018 - Live at St Luke's, Cork
IMRO Ulster Live Music Venue of the Year 2018 - An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
IMRO Music Festival of the Year 2018 - All Together Now
IMRO Small Music Festival of the Year 2018 - Wexford Spiegeltent Festival
IMRO Tech Crew of the Year Award 2018 - Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Hot Press Live Venue of the Year for 2018 - Mike the Pies, Listowel with special Hot Press commendations going to Live at St Luke's, Cork and The Chasin' Bull, Bundoran
IMRO Outstanding Contribution to Live Music - Joe Clarke, CWB
