Friends and sponsors of Music Cork gathered Wednesday night in Goldbergs, Cork to celebrate the career of Rubyworks’ Roger Quail, who has recently announced his retirement as label manager from the Irish independent label.

The event marks Music Cork’s return since 2019, with dates announced for the event next year from April 17-19, 2024. The launch commenced last night, as Music Cork co-founder Wille Ryan presented Quail with an award for his outstanding contribution to the Irish music industry, on behalf of Music Cork and its sponsors.

Quail’s shining career spans over three decades, beginning in the 1980s when the music industry figurehead got his start as a musician in Sheffield. He then moved up the ranks into Virgin Records by 1984. Throughout the glory days of Britpop, Quail worked with labels such as Creation (through the meteoric rise of Oasis), Big Brother Recordings, Nude Records, Ministry of Sound, V2 and Mushroom.

In January 2005, Quail joined Rubyworks in Dublin and has remained at the label since as label manager. He has enjoyed successes from artists like Rodrigo y Gabriela and, more recently, Hozier, Hudson Taylor, Little Hours, Otherkin, Wyvern Lingo and Eve Belle.

After the award presentation, the evening continued gloriously in Cork’s Cyprus Avenue, with performances from Brad Heidi, Jæd, Seán Parnell and The Cliffords.

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Music Cork first took place in 2017, continuing on to host full editions in 2018 and 2019 before the pandemic cut their run short. Now the event returns, scheduled for April 17-19, 2024.

Having provided the Irish music industry with the opportunity to network with Irish and international colleagues, Music Cork also gives Irish artists valuable showcasing opportunities and has been hailed as a critical event for Irish musicians and music-lovers alike.

Speaking of the announcement and Wednesday’s award ceremony, co-founder Alexis Vokos said, “We are thrilled to join our Irish industry colleagues in recognising the amazing career of Roger and his contribution to the Irish Music Industry. We are also very pleased to confirm the return of Music Cork which has provided such an invaluable forum for Irish music industry professionals and international colleagues to meet and network in previous years.”

Further details and ticketing information for Music Cork 2024 will follow soon. Stay up to date via their socials!