Columns - Irish Examiner

Tom Dunne

Tom Dunne is a music-lover extraordinaire who, as well as presenting radio and TV shows, can also be seen in the wild as the lead singer with Something Happens.

Tom Dunne: Naturally, it was a joy to talk songwriting with Gilbert O'Sullivan

Many people probably don't realise what a master of the craft the Waterford man is. And he has the hits to prove it

Thu, 23 Apr, 2026

17th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards - Show

Tom Dunne: Bob Dylan, Patreon, and his curated ‘Letters from the Grave’

Dylan once claimed he grew up among snake oil salesmen. I never paid much heed until I read he had started a Patreon page

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

Tom Dunne: Playing in Connolly's of Leap really is a life-affirming experience

I returned to the Co Cork venue recently for the first time in many years, and was delighted to see the magic is still intact

Wed, 08 Apr, 2026

Tom Dunne: An attic discovery reminded of the glory of long-lost CD compilations

Properly-curated compilation CDs really were a great way of discovering music in the late 1990s and early Noughties

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Tom Dunne: At least Moby has reminded us all how good the Kinks are

Don't worry about Moby's throwaway comment — just go listen to the magnificence of The Kinks

Wed, 25 Mar, 2026

Tom Dunne: From Horslips to CMAT — the six albums that shaped modern Irish music

Music has long been an important part of Irish society, but it's only in recent times that people are appreciating its impact beyond the cultural sphere

Thu, 19 Mar, 2026

Tom Dunne: The late great Neil Sedaka felt like part of the family

My party trick as a child was to sing one of his tunes, and in later years I realised what a really great songwriter he was

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

iHeartRadio Hot 99.5's Jingle Ball 2025 Presented By Capital One - Show

Tom Dunne: All cool dads should really go along to see Laufey

Laufey brings her jazz-tinged songs to Ireland this week. Expect a surprisingly young demographic at the gig

Wed, 04 Mar, 2026

Tom Dunne: Iain Archer is the ideal man to bring the Ivors Academy to Ireland

The former Snow Patrol member has written some brilliant songs through the years

Thu, 19 Feb, 2026

Tom Dunne: U2 have suddenly woken up to the fact they have a lot to say

That energy, that sense of urgency, the sense of needing to say what simply must be said informs every track. It might have been War since we’ve last heard them so urgent

Wed, 18 Feb, 2026