Irish Music Month is close to drawing to a close, but we’re not just yet when it comes to some of the competitions tied to the initiative.
The end of September saw south Kilkenny native Patrick Dowling crowned KCLR’s New Local Hero for 2026 with his song Out Of Our Control. That song went on to the national judging stage alongside New Local Hero winners from 20 other independent radio stations, and we’ll know this coming Monday whether Patrick makes the national final at the end of October.
Between now and then, however, you can boost Dowling’s chances to taking a little something extra from the competition as Hot Press have opened the voting for a Wildcard Award winner with all 21 regional acts in consideration.
That sees Patrick Dowling, KCLR’s selection, rub shoulders (virtually, for now at least) with the likes of Briars (Clare FM), Rebecca Lane (FM104), Sitting Room (KFM), Shane Barry (WLR FM), WineMom (Radio Nova) and Clueless (South East Radio). Six acts will be named this coming Monday as the national finalists, securing a place on the live stage at The Academy, Dublin, on 28 October.
Having already received a fee for participation in the local/regional rounds, the top six acts will pocket another €1,400, with a shot at an overall prize worth €10,000, including €5,000 cash and a single release on Rubyworks.
The Wildcard Award winner – subject of a public vote – will also pocket a €2,500 bursary.
Get your votes in for Patrick Dowling and Out Of Our Control here.
