07/11/2025
Well, did everyone enjoy that? We promised you the best night out of the year and 11 incredible bands delivered! Brilliant music and entertainment from start (8pm) to finish (2am!). I don't know how the bands do it, but the standard just keeps getting raised.
So many people to thank. Firstly, huge thanks to Anthony and all the staff at the amazing Wavecrest Achill- how lucky are we to have the perfect Rock venue in the heart of Achill?
To Reillys Audio: massive thanks to Damien, James and Connor on sound and lights- these 3 lads put in a serious shift from 11:30am on Saturday morning until the wee hours of Sunday morning and had every band sounding like the rock stars they are. So easy going and professional- we look forward to working with you again!
Big it up for our MC for the night: Gielty who's mellow tones, witty repartee and savage hair-do kept the show rolling from minute one!
Three cheers for our 3 esteemed judges!- the ever-present Dermot Maguire, ably flanked by 2 Battle-Judge veterans, Michael John Dever and John Tetlow- thank you Gentlemen!
More cheers for the wonderful Mulligan who took charge at the door!
Whoop Whoop! for Lavelle from Achill Island Kitchen, Dooagh Shop for feeding the masses during the sound checks and saving lives on Sunday with great coffee!
Big gratitude to the bands who supplied amps for the stage back-line: Swamp Donkeys, Satan's Armpit, Cheesy Dirtbags and Green Bastards.
Massive Go Raibh Maith Agat's to Lavelle for allowing all the bands to use his drum kit!
And a huge thanks to all the AMAZING bands who had downtown Dooagh rocking for 6 solid hours- and to all of the fans, groupies and supporters who danced, moshed and headbanged non-stop- you are all HEROES!
So the final shout outs go to our top 3 bands on the night. 2 brilliant Achill bands: The Shift and The Newtown Rats taking bronze and silver. And of course, our winners, with a simply stunning set, Battle of the Bands 2025: Big Hair! Champions: INDUSTRY PLANT! 4 ultra-talented teenagers- these guys will be filling stadiums in the not-too-distant future! Congratulations and welcome to the BOTB family!
Check out Jake Scott's page for great photos and videos from the night and spare a thought for the clean up team who are still sweeping up dandruff in the Wavecrest Achill!
We love you all- see you in February 2027 for the 20th Anniversary of the first ever Battle of the Bands which was the brainchild of the legend: Shay Kennedy! Until 2027, then, Shabba!
Sorsha and JB
https://youtu.be/kyp5wFO6rg4?si=A_mGM_s-1xnt4JDT
