"It is extraordinary," said the band's mentor John Hughes. "We don't have a record company behind the record in the UK, so this is almost unheard of. But it's a great track – and the fact is that radio loves it."

'Dance' is one of just ten tracks A-listed in a given week, putting it in line for heavy rotation on the station – which is by far the most important in the UK, in terms of selling records. A measure of the status involved can be gauged from the fact that singles on the lesser B-list this week include Beyoncé's 'Love On Top', Westlife's 'Beautiful World' and Noah and The Whale's 'Give It All Back', as well as tracks from Amy Winehouse's album Lioness - Hidden Treasures.

Also on the A-list are Matt Cardle's 'Starlight' and Cee Lo Green's 'Anyway', as well as tracks from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds album.

"Woohoo, we made it! What a great Christmas present. A-listed on BBC Radio 2," the band tweeted late yesterday evening. The Brilliant Things' line-up comprises Marie Junior (lead vocal) Greg French (guitar /keyboards ) Geoff French (drums) and Mia Fitzgerald (bass) – all experienced Irish musicians in their twenties.

Already both Chris Evans and Graham Norton have played 'Dance' – and the reaction has been all good. "I love that," Norton said after he played it, helpfully adding that he was off to his local record emporium to buy it!

The track, which was mixed by hit-meister Ash Howes, is taken from the band's eponymous debut album, The Brilliant Things, which was released in Ireland in the autumn – and which will now likely be the subject of a UK push in the new year.

The Brilliant Things have been steadily building their reputation as a live act, doing more than 100 dates during 2011. Next year will see a renewed focus on the UK, with festival dates in Reading and Leeds among those that have already been lined up.