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TV time for Irish bands

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a band in possession of a good tune must be in want of some TV exposure.

For Irish bands, though, TV time during prime viewing hours on the national broadcaster is usually hard to find.

Enter WeTV, the Saturday and Sunday morning show on RTÉ2.

In recent weeks, it has featured Dark Room Notes, Hybrasil, Fight Like Apes, Twin Kranes, Neosupervital, Ham Sandwich and music snapper Loreana Rushe.

This Sunday, tune in to see Choice Music Prize nominees Super Extra Bonus Party and The Flaws.

Spirit of change

The prize for the Irish venue with the most names goes to the club on Dublin's Middle Abbey Street.

First known as HQ when it opened in 1999, it then became Spirit in 2001. Last October, it became Spirit 57 and now, it's to be known as The Academy.

The latest name change coincides with the venue booking more and more live acts.

Those on their way to the Academy include José Gonzalez (April 6th), The Sawdoctors (March 22nd), Aiden (March 31st) and Flogging Molly (June 5th).