Irish folk star tunes up for Festival concert

IRISH folk star Damien Dempsey is to perform at the Queen's Hall as part of this year's Festival.

The platinum-selling artist, who has recently supported U2 and Brian Eno, will play to audiences at the city venue on August 5.

The controversial star mixes traditional Irish folk music with social commentary on the rise and dramatic fall of Ireland's economy.

Dempsey spent much of last summer touring south-east Asia and Australia, where he performed with Brian Eno at a sell-out concert at the Sydney Opera House.

The Pogues' Shane MacGowan recently praised the Dublin-born singer.

He said: "It's great music and it's great lyrics. It's angry and it's humorous.

"He sees the beauty that is Ireland and that is Ireland's past and that can be Ireland's future."