The much anticipated Kilkenny Youth Music Awards, organised by Ossory Youth, was held in Desart Hall Youth Centre. The competition drew talent from all over the county with 10 acts participating on the day.
The acts were all competing for the right to represent Ossory Youth Kilkenny in a national competition in Dublin’s Liberty Hall on Sunday, May 8.
“The standard of the acts this year was extremely high, everyone put a huge amount of effort into their rehearsals and this was clearly evident for the quality of the performances,” said Kevin O’ Driscoll, youth worker with Ossory Youth.
The 10 acts that performed on the day were Pyrotechnix, Shiksa, The Almost Originals, Indigo Eye, Copper Blue, Raising Cain, Ripple Effect, Alan Grace, Injustice and O B Swaggerboy.
As well as the acts performing for the right to represent Ossory Youth in Dublin, there was a guest performance from last year’s representing act Johnny Scribble.
“All of the acts excelled and were well received by the large in attendance,” added Kevin.
A crowd of over 150 turned up to show their support and cheer on each and every one of the acts. Sam Moylan, 19, came along to check out the talent. “It was amazing! each act had everyone dancing all day. The competition seems to get better each year.”
After a tense wait for all concerned Kevin announced Ripple Effect as the deserved winners.
Ripple Effect is a four piece rock band from Graiguenamanagh comprising of DJ Campbell (lead singer and lead guitar ), Eoin Russell (drummer ), Conor McGuinness (guitar ) and Lee Irwin (bass guitar ).
“We are absolutely delighted to win,” said lead singer DJ Campbell after the event. “It is our second year entering and we worked really hard this year to try and win.”
The boys will now spend the next number of weeks practising hard to get ready for the national competition in Liberty Hall in Dublin on May 8.
