2024’s Biggest Arts and Media Moments: A Journey Through Irish Creativity
From Eurovision triumphs to Oscar buzz and the rise of homegrown talent, 2024 has been a banner year for Irish art and media.
Despite the inevitable subjective nature of “best of” lists, there are certain moments and trends that stand out.
Join us as we recap the highlights, the heartbreaks, and the moments that will undoubtedly be talked about long into the future.
Eurovision Sensation: Bambie Thug Redefines Representation
January saw the introduction of Bambie Thug, Macroom’s finest, as Ireland’s Eurovision hopeful on “The Late Late Show” ‘Eurosong’ special. They made a splash in Malmö for Eurovision in May with their powerful performance and outspoken stances on social issues. Bambie Thug, a staunch pro-Palestine advocate, even accused the EBU of failing to support artists in their conflicts with Israel
In the end, Bambie Thug secured Ireland’s highest Eurovision position since 2000, finishing sixth with their song ‘Doomsday Blue’.
Summer of Music: Gigs for the Ages
2024 was a summer for music lovers in Ireland. Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ sent fans into a frenzy, with three sold-out nights at the Aviva Stadium. But the music magic didn’t stop there.
Coldplay treated Croke Park to five consecutive sold-out shows, and AC/DC added their own thunder with an electrifying performance. Electric Picnic broke attendance records, and Bruce Springsteen’s concert brought fans to their feet on a historical occasion.
The long-standing brilliance of artists like Christy Moore was also on full display, proving that Irish music has a depth that continues to inspire.
Theatrical Triumphs and Literary Legacies
Cillian Murphy took home the Oscars for ‘Best Actor’ for his gripping portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s biopic. This success was mirrored by the captivating rise of Paul Mescal, landing the lead role in the eagerly awaited ‘Gladiator 2’. Saoirse Ronan charmed audiences with her performance in ‘The Outrun’.
Theatrical productions across the country thrived. The Dublin Theatre Festival continued its success, with Druid’s ‘The House’ and the ‘The Agreement’ at the Gate Theatre capturing imaginations.
The Abbey Theatre marked Lady Gregory’s legacy with a triumphant production of ‘Emma‘.
2024 also saw the loss of a literary giant, Edna O’Brien, who passed away at the age of 93. Her work continues to be a beacon for Irish writers, inspiring a new generation of talent such as Sally Rooney, Clare Keegan, Anne Enright, and many more.
RTÉ: Navigating Change While Providing Essential Service
Year’s controversies cast a shadow over the organization. After the departure of Chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh, Terence O’Rourke took the helm in March.
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