Two Play On The Day finalists announced

Two down, two to go tonight. The Play On The Day regional finals are underway and, last night, the champions of the East and the West/Mid-West were crowned.

Down in Dolan's of Limerick, Jenny Huston, Celina Murphy and Eric Fitzgerald had the difficult task of choosing between Siomha Brock, The Aoife Scott Band, The Disconnected Bliss and Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters. After four accomplished sets, Limerick’s answer to Queens Of The Stone Age, Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters were victorious.

Back in Dublin, Whelan's played host to sets from Roisin O, Leaders Of Men, Fallen Drakes and The Original Rude Boys, each leaving our judges with much to ponder. In the end, Leaders Of Men's dark, doomed magic proved most seductive.

Both winners now go through to the National Final in Galway's Roisin Dubh on September 16.

There, they will come up against the North and South winners from tonight's showdowns, after which, one will secure that all-important slot on the Main Stage at the Guinness Storehouse on Arthur's Day, September 22.

Tonight -

Down South, Cyprus Avenue in Cork is the September 8 setting for a showdown between The Empire Lights, Zombie Computer, Amber Jean and Dead School. Dan Hegarty (RTÉ 2fm), Colm O'Hare (Hot Press) and Colm O'Sullivan will judge. Heading North to The Limelight, Belfast, we have In Elegance, Mojo Gogo, Shouting At Planes and Shawn Morrow being judged by Rigsy, Edwin McFee (Hot Press) and Francis Jones.

Best of luck to all concerned.