Kodaline and Bow St. Sessions mark St. Patrick's Day in style

It might have been a day early, but it mattered little; St. Patrick’s Day was never celebrated in as much style as last night, as a trio of Ireland’s leading acts stepped front and centre for a very special instalment of Jameson Bow St. Sessions.

Though it was a night to exalt all things Irish, it was a visiting act that opened proceedings, as Canadian rockers July Talk stormed The Academy stage. Blasting through choice cuts – ‘Blood and Honey’ being a particular highlight – they seemed determined to make it a night to remember for themselves, with frontwoman Leah Fay embarking on a daring traverse of the railings that had the capacity crowd mesmerised.

If things had to slow down slightly, then there could be few better outfits than Little Hours to bring a little intimacy to proceedings. The Donegal duo have been progressing impressively over the past year, and their brand of melodic balladry was showcased perfectly on this occasion with familiar hits like ‘Tired’ and ‘It’s Still Love’ sitting handsomely among newer compositions. Our HP spies grabbed a word with the boys, who revealed they’re heading into the studio shortly – when they emerge, it may well be with a chart-topping album under their oxters.

If they need encouragement, then they could do far worse than observe how it’s already been done by the band that followed. Walking On Cars enjoyed a lengthy stint at the summit of the charts with their debut LP Everything This Way, and its best tracks were given a runout in what was a scintillating set. ‘Hand In Hand’ and ‘Always Be With You’ are as anthemic as any Irish tracks of the past decade, but it was when the Dingle quartet embraced the Jameson spirit of collaboration, and invited Dublin Gospel Choir onstage for a stunning rendition of ‘Two Stones’ that their performance reached truly spectacular heights. Recent single ‘Speeding Cars’ was a spellbinding closer – and there was barely time to draw breath before the night’s headliners got going.

‘Ready’ was the perfect opener: the audience left Kodaline in no doubt that they most definitely were, and that they were up for it as well. The Swords quartet, fresh from a barnstorming continental jaunt, were nothing short of sensational: the stirring ‘One Day’, a mass singalong of ‘High Hopes’ and a wonderfully touching run at ‘The One’ were particular highlights of a spectacular performance. There was even time to lead the fans in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Mark’s father, proudly waving from the balcony, before the beautiful ‘All I Want’ brought their set to a close.

This was an event that will live long in the memory. It would be hard to surpass last night’s Bow St. Session. Then again, where the spirit is willing...