Watch the opening of the Irish Musical Society Awards give the Tonys a run for its money

Each year, a different musical society takes on the challenge of performing the opening number, and this year it was Bravo Theatre Group from Loughrea, Galway.

Thousands of Irish musical enthusiasts from all over the country made their way to Killarney over the weekend to attend the annual AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) awards - or what is best described as, the Irish version of the Tony Awards.

The winners were announced - to over 1,300 attendees and thousands more viewing online - by Today FM’s Fergal D’Arcy at a gala banquet dinner in the INEC, Gleneagle Hotel on Saturday night, following a circus-themed fancy dress the night previous.