The O2 has been an extraordinary success story since it opened and, already in 2012, was named the fifth busiest live music venue in the world, with ticket sales of 670,000.

"The O2 is a world class arena," said Niall Stokes. editor of Hot Press. "It is the kind of venue that people can travel to from anywhere in Europe, or indeed the world, confident in the knowledge that they are going to experience the very best in terms of production and sound."

There were two special commendations for the Róisín Dubh in Galway and the Academy in Dublin.

"The Róisín Dubh is one of those venues that's of crucial importance to music in a city. Galway would not be the same without it," Niall Stokes said.

"The Academy is different. In a busy city with lots of good venues, it has stood the test of time as a place of unique character that bands and artists really love to play."

More news soon, on the IMRO winners...