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: U2 at 50 is a reminder of what an incredible year 1976 was

Larry Mullen's placement of an advert on his school noticeboard was one of the most significant moments in Irish music history. I'm glad I was around to plug into the buzz of that era

Wed, 23 Sep, 2026

Primavera Sound 2022 - Weekend 1 - Day 2

Tom Dunne: I've been saying it for years but you have to see the Fontaines

The announcement of the Slane gigs for Fontaines DC is the latest chapter in the band's incredible rise

Thu, 03 Sep, 2026

Tom Dunne: From Dollywood to Dinglewood, we've lost a real treasure

It may have taken me a while to realise how great Dolly Parton was, but behind all that glitz and glamour was a truly incredible songwriter

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Tom Dunne: Electric Picnic was the iPhone of festivals

The first Electric Picnic in 2004 was the 'great leap forward' of Irish festivals and indeed festivals worldwide

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

Tom Dunne: How Andrew Watt became the hottest producer on the planet

Watt is the speaker of truth to Paul McCartney, Elton John, Madonna, Lady Gaga and many more — but it could have been different

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

Tom Dunne: Patti Smith voice note stopped the clocks at Glen Hansard's funeral

The music in St Patrick's Cathedral brought joy to our hearts, but there was no escaping the grief of losing such a gifted friend

Wed, 05 Aug, 2026

S 'A great, genuine talent and a lovely man': Tom Dunne on Glen Hansard

I'd known Glen since the 1990s and watched him emerge through his brilliant band The Frames

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Spain v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - New York New Jersey Stadium

Tom Dunne: Chris Martin and co have no place at a World Cup final

If we must have a half-time show, I'd prefer to have seen the Sultans Of Ping and the Wedding Present

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Tom Dunne: So you never even heard of Luke Combs?

The fact the US country star is playing two nights in Slane this weekend has left many people scratching their heads. Here's what you need to know...

Wed, 15 Jul, 2026

Tom Dunne: Choose life, and also the cultural phenomenon that is Trainspotting

Danny Boyle's classic is 30 years old, and it really is as good as you remember

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026