A true working class hero, there's no doubting that Damien Dempsey has put in the hard yards this year. Straight off his Vicar Street run last December, Dempsey went into rehearsals for his 20-night residency at the Abbey Theatre, with his hugely successful debut show, Tales from the Holywell. The Conor Pearson-directed production was followed by a 14-date Irish tour and a support slot for The Saw Doctors at Manchester's Castlefield Bowl. It's safe to say, 2023 has been a busy year for Damo.

As the opening chords of the classic 'Negative Vibes' ring out, Damo emerges, guitar in hand, beaming from ear-to-ear. Iveagh Gardens has become a second homecoming to rival his traditional Christmas run in Vicar Street.

Mid-set he acknowledges how it's never rained on any of the nights he's played here. If anyone deserves that break in their hometown, it's Damo.

Backed by a six-piece band including Seán McKeon on uilleann pipes, it's hard to believe it's been 20 years since his second record Seize the Day was released. He treats us to one of the album's best loved tracks, the uplifting, 'Apple Of My Eye'. The sing-song has well and truly begun.

Damien Dempsey at the Iveagh Gardens - Credit: Cat Gundry-Beck

Damo takes a moment to thank his mother Adrienne for her support and being able to confide in her when the tougher days hit. This leads into 'Chris and Stevie', a haunting song about suicide and the importance of speaking out in times of need.

It's a song that cuts deep for many Damien Dempsey fans. Standing a few steps in front of me, a teary-eyed fan is comforted by his friends, which in turn brings a three-way embrace. Dempsey's lyrics 'Love Yourself Today' can be seen tattooed on the inside of one of their arms – a testament to the power and importance of his lyrics to his loyal fans.

As quickly as he can bring you to tears, Dempsey can just as easily have you smiling. He takes a literal tongue in cheek jibe at his father Frank who passed away in 2021. Playfully calling him a 'spoofer' he regales us with a story of his father once saying they were so poor the only time he ate meat was when he bit his tongue. Damo knows and cherishes his roots.

Two upbeat covers follow with a rousing rendition 'Rocky Road To Dublin' and 'Paddy On The Railway'. Dempsey then introduces the majestic anti-racism anthem 'Colony', telling us to "Look after each other, no matter colour or creed."

'Party On' gets a big reaction from the audience, followed by the mighty 'Sing All our Cares Away' before Dempsey's brief exit from the stage. His long-standing band member and collaborator Éamonn de Barra swaps the flute for the piano, as Damo returns for his encore with a moving performance of 'Factories'.

Credit: Cat Gundry-Beck

There's no doubt Damien Dempsey has earned his place amongst the all-time greats of Irish music. His ability to communicate through song is up there with Luke Kelly and Christy Moore.

As the last chords of 'Patience' ring out, Dempsey breaks into a powerful cover of Aslan's defining anthem, 'Crazy World'. Three weeks on from Christy Dignam's passing, the wave of love and emotion is palpable in Iveagh Gardens. It's a heartfelt tribute to a good friend and one of Dublin's best loved sons.

Damien Dempsey is singing Crazy World to a sold out iveagh gardens for Christy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UcBaGTC5tu

— Daniel Lambert (@dlLambo) July 7, 2023

Having gone to his gigs for almost 20 years, I've never walked out of a Damo show feeling disappointed, and I don't think I ever will. Here's to a well-deserved break, Damo. We'll be waiting for you come winter.

Damien Dempsey at the Iveagh Gardens - Credit: Cat Gundry-Beck