It was a bittersweet night at Vicar Street this evening, for the remarkable Gavin James. The huge talented Dubliner may not have snapped up the Choice Music Prize, which carries a reward of a whopping €10,000. However, he brushed aside all the competition, in the Song of the Year race, winning it with ‘Bitter Pill’ – the stand-out, title track from his excellent official debut album.

There were many fine, upstanding, powerful songs on the shortlist of ten, including superb tracks from Hozier, Kodaline and The Coronas – all acts that might have been fancied to take the honours. However, ‘Bitter Pill’ has deservedly been a huge radio hit and it showcases Gavin James' extraordinary vocal ability, making it a highly deserving winner.

Hot Press also felt very strongly that Daithi had produced something utterly unique in the marvellous ‘Mary Keane’s Introduction’. But ultimately, victory went to the ginger genius – who has emerged as one of Ireland’s finest ever singer-songwriters and interpreters.

The full list of nominated songs was as follows:

The Academic – Different (Room 6 Records)
All Tvvins – Thank You (Warner Music)
The Coronas – How This Goes (Universal Music)
Daithi – Mary Keanes Introduction (Self Released)
Fight Like Apes – Pretty Keen On Centrefolds (Alcopop! Records)
Hozier – Someone New (Universal Music)
Gavin James – Bitter Pill (Warner Music)
Kodaline – Ready (Sony Music)
Otherkin – Ay Ay (Rubyworks)
Pleasure Beach – Go (Faction)