A New Local Hero 2026: Inside a Night of Ireland's Rising Talent

FM104 Strawberry Alarm Clock host Zeinab Elguzouli joins NewTalk's Tom Dunne to welcome artists and music fans to The Academy for the New Local Hero finale, bringing together some of Ireland's most promising emerging acts for a night of live music and fierce competition.

First to the stage is Radio Nova's pick, WINEMOM. Specialising in nostalgia-tinged rock, the band wastes little time filling the room with feedback and charging riffs. 'He Was So Kind' quickly draws the crowd in, setting the tone for a night of energetic performances.

Frontwoman Rosanna Harrington commands the stage with a presence reminiscent of Blondie's Debbie Harry and Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks, while the band's collective star quality shines through. They close their set with 'Blood Moon', leaving a strong first impression.

WINEMOM Credit: Jason Doherty

Sitting Room, representing KFM, offers a quieter, folk-inflected change of pace. The Carlow-Kildare trio build their sound around close harmonies and understated arrangements, with tracks such as 'Treehouses' and 'Coven' showcasing their ability to weave unusual stories into their songwriting.

Introducing the latter, vocalist Ava Somers reveals that its inspiration stems from her parents' divorce and her father's accusations that her mother practised witchcraft. It's an unexpected backstory, adding another layer to the song's atmosphere.

Sitting Room Credit: Jason Doherty

LMFM's selection, RunTheRed, brings a different kind of intensity to the stage. The five-piece alternative outfit, fronted by Ciara Duffy, balances charged guitars and violin with a dynamic vocal performance. Their second song, 'haunted', begins quietly before building into an emotionally charged climax, transforming it's restrained opening into something considerably more expansive.

They finish with their most recent single, 'what a shame', rounding out a set that balances atmosphere with force.

RunTheRed Credit: Jason Doherty

Next up is Shimmer Boy - the project of Cork's 96FM representative, Aaron O'Sullivan. The Leeside musician launches straight into a fast-paced set, pairing driving guitar with pounding drums and soaring, anthemic choruses. Guttural backing vocals lend the performance a cinematic, folk-rock edge, adding depth to an already full sound.

'Temporary Comfort' unleashes a lengthy, gritty guitar solo that holds the room's attention. For a moment, there is something of Rory Gallagher in the playing: raw, unrestrained and seeped in the spirit of alternative rock.

Shimmer Boy Credit: Jason Doherty

FM104's chosen act, Rebecca Lane, brings yet another shift in style. Irish-born and French-raised, the Toulouse Jazz graduate delivers rapid-fire lyrics over frenetic fingerpicking, combining the precision of her musical background with an energetic pop sensibility. Before launching into a French-language bridge, she reassures the audience that they are not imagining things: she really is singing in another language. 'Speak Your Language' takes on a fuller, more rhythmic dimension when a band joins her onstage.

She also gives a shout out to her brother on bass, adding a personal touch to the performance.

Rebecca Lane Credit: Jason Doherty

Closing the show, Groev picked by Galway Bay FM, describe themselves as a "drinking band with a music problem" - a fitting introduction to a group whose set is seeped in country twang and Irish musical tradition. That character comes through in both the guitars and Joe Sweeney's vocals, while the band's rich harmonies give their songs a communal, singalong quality. Their swinging instrumentation keeps the energy high, they throw themselves into the music with infectious enthusiasm.

There's a little of The Pogues in the rough-edged spirit and The Saw Doctors in the melodic, crowd-pleasing appeal - a combination thats both fresh and familiar.

Groev Credit: Jason Doherty

As the night progresses, the judges face the task of choosing a winner from a varied field of performers. The audience, meanwhile, is treated to a final performance from Dave Lofts, whose songwriting places storytelling firmly at its centre. Blending soulful indie-folk with raw, anthemic roots rock, Lofts delivers tracks including 'Whistling on a Bottle' and 'Holy'. His songwriting explores emotional vulnerability, touching on mental health, grief, and redemption.

Before performing 'Just A Man', he dedicates the song to anyone struggling with their mental health, bringing a moment of reflection to a night otherwise defined by the excitement of competition.

Dave Lofts Credit: Jason Doherty

As part of the talent search, the country was called on to select a winner for A New Local Hero Wildcard Award. After a competitive public vote, Chris Cresham, representing Midwest Radio is revealed as the Wildcard winner.

Cresham builds his songs around strong storytelling. The Mayo singer-songwriter has spent recent months between Berlin and London writing and recording with some of the industry's best talent.

Chris Cresham A New Local Hero Wildcard Winner Credit: Jason Doherty

Then comes the announcement: Shimmer Boy is the 2026 New Local Hero.

Accepting the award, O'Sullivan admits he is "speechless."

"I wasn't expecting to win this. What an honour to be amongst such amazing talent. I want to thank Cork's 96FM, and all Irish radio across the board...It's been a real dream and this is an honour."

There is still time for one final song. Now officially crowned New Local Hero, O'Sullivan returns to the stage to perform 'Hideaway', marking the first performance of the night as the newly announced winner.

The competition may have produced one winner, but the performances make a compelling case for every artist on the bill. If the New Local Hero finale is any indication, Ireland's next wave of musical talent is already making itself heard.