The Script thrills the crowd at first Irish concert in two years

The Script’s first Irish show since headlining Croke Park in 2015 was in a converted boxing arena so it was appropriate the performance had a pugilistic edge.

The Dubliners are one of the country’s biggest musical exports this side of U2 yet their earnest style and irony-free blending of pop, rock and hip hop has made them a convenient punchbag.

That two of the group used to be in a boy band has provided further ammunition for cynics who have delighted in striking below the belt.