It's Danny's night as Script are toast of town on Arthur's Day

Raise a glass: The Script's Danny O'Donoghue

STOUT supporters of Arthur's Day raised their glasses last night despite grumblings this year against the annual music event.

Dreamt up five years ago as a celebration of the Irish pub, like any good boozer it's had its fair share of rows, with Christy Moore and Mike Scott of the Waterboys criticising the event.

All that was forgotten at 5.59pm last night – or 17.59 as the drinks company would have it – as punters raised their pint to Arthur, commemorating the year in which the founder of Guinness set up shop in St James's Gate.

The toast was the cue for acts to perform at pubs all over Ireland.

One of the first to plug in was The Script at The Ivy House in Dumcondra.

And golfer Rory McIlroy was ushered in as special guest for the rock star's final gig of the night at Whelan's.

The 24-year-old star soaked up the atmosphere with a few friends in the Wexford Street venue while Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar enjoyed the smooth soul sounds of Bobby Womack in Dakota on South William Street.

Secret

As with every Arthur's Day, the line-up of who was playing where remained a secret until last night.

Singers Emili Sande, Janelle Monae and The Manic Street Preachers all appeared at intimate venues across the capital.

Earlier this week, singer Danny O'Donoghue had defended Arthur's Day but their spirited performance last night did more for Diageo than a dozen PR spin doctors. It was pure joy: a stadium act in a local pub and a show that regulars will remember for years.

Even the achievements of Dublin footballers was celebrated.

"We're going to have the best night ever. We won the Sam, let's celebrate," Danny told an ecstatic crowd.

At one point Danny called for three pints of Guinness from the bar which grateful punters passed over the heads to reach the band on-stage.

Shane Carthy, who co-owns The Ivy House with his brother, said they had no idea The Script were playing his pub until they turned up.

"Our regulars will be talking about this for years," he said.

"There were no drunken rows, no injuries – just a world-class act putting on a first-class show in a local boozer.

This was the controversial Arthur's Day at its best.

Source: Collins / Edited:DannyODonoghue.Net