The Irish Post Music Awards Live spectacular took place at the INEC in Killarney last week and The Production People played a key role in the success of TG4’s coverage of the inaugural event.
Working with Producer, Mark Dempsey, we built a strong, experienced team to deliver one of the most ambitious live broadcasts of the year. With ten of the country’s top acts performing under one roof, it was an incredible night of 
Irish music broadcast live on TV.
TV Director/VM, Bob Corkey told us that the schedule began with an extensive Lighting rig over the main stage at INEC on Wednesday 6th June – the day before transmission. Elsewhere in the venue, music rehearsals for the live performances took place with the Production Team paying close attention to the distinctive musical arrangements specially crafted for the show.
Tech rig began early on Thursday June 7th, TX day, with camera rehearsal ahead of going live on TG4 at 9:30pm for ninety exciting minutes. The tight turnaround of musical acts kept Floor Manager, Janine Curran, on her toes for the duration of the show.
There were awards in nine categories, including Best Country, Best Folk, and Best Pop/Rock. A Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to legendary musician and composer, Phil Coulter. Winners were picked by a panel of distinguished judges and a public vote. Amongst those honoured in the night’s celebrations were leading Irish acts The Blizzards, Úna Healy, High Kings, Ryan McMullan, Zali, Chris De Burgh, and Beoga.
Irish Post’s Mark Dempsey was fulsome in his praise for the team’s achievement: “A massive ‘gura míle’ to all production staff involved in the live night’s epic production. Everyone involved put their all and more into the Irish Post Show and for that – thank you!” 
Presenter, Síle Seoige, sent the team her own congrats: “I watched it back – it looked and sounded great but I’m not surprised. The crew involved were the best!”
The crewing task was clear from the beginning and Louise Nolan, Operations Director at The Production People commented, “Each of the key production roles required experienced hands, and a detailed, multi-skilled mind-set. All crew needed to be comfortable at operating bilingually in both Irish and English, working in a tightly scheduled live environment, and ready for the inevitable technical or human eventualities that present with live productions. Add to that a creative and imaginative approach to problem-solving as an essential box to tick for all”.
