The best 50 Irish music acts right now – in order

It’s a particularly thrilling time for Irish music – here’s our countdown of the finest

Gigs of the week: Hozier in Cork and Belfast

The Co Wicklow singer is a natural performer and lives for the stage

Take me to Hozier: it’s the full Irish for this week’s best rock and pop gigs

Also: The Academic, Blades, Glen Hansard, Síomha, Ash, Fontaines DC and I Draw Slow

Minister ‘horrified’ at language used about women in US election

Frances Fitzgerald says domestic violence bill will put victim at centre of justice system

Ireland: the next generation

Which Irish people will influence Ireland – and the world – in the coming years? These 22 twentysomethings are likely contenders

Olivia Burke’s family and friends say a tearful farewell

Hozier sings a song for Berkeley balcony victim as her friends form circle of honour

Funeral of Olivia Burke told deaths have ‘pained us all’

Hozier performs during service at Foxrock before burial at Deansgrange Cemetery

Pat Kenny is front of house as UTV Ireland hits our screens

No New Year’s Day fireworks or giddy studio shenanigans for launch of UTV Ireland

A golden year for music when Irish acts did the business

Musicians, labels, promoters and fans can all take credit for a perfect storm of factors that made 2014 a special year for music

Video

Hozier’s secret: no way to get under our skin

What was the Irish pop star thinking performing at the Victoria’s Secret show?

Shuffle: Your guide to downloads, singles and audiostreams

This week: Hozier, Ryan Adams, Jennifer Lopez ft Iggy Azalea and Childish Gambino

Album Choice – Hozier: Hozier

Hozier: “I’m still figuring it out. I’m still figuring myself out”

On the cusp of super-stardom, Hozier reveals all to Una Mullally

Review: Hozier

A fine showcase show from a band that’s still finding its feet