The race for the number one Christmas single is now a decidely two horse affair - it's X Factor vs. Limerick in the battle to win the hearts and minds of the Irish people.

In one corner, we have a cynical, crass excuse for a hit, in the other, we have the excellent 'Horse Outside'. To reclaim Christmas from the hands of Simon Cowell and give it to the foremost hip hop duo in Ireland, make sure you download The Rubberbandits' ode to running with the horses before Thursday.

You can also go and purchase it in an old-fashioned shop, if you're feeling nostalgic. The controversy on Liveline and their appearance on The Late Late Show might just swing it for Blindboy Boat and Mr. Chrome. And, of course, the support of Willie O'Dea will win the kids' vote.

X Factor winner Matt Cardle faces a tough opponent. The Bandits' video has almost 3.2 million views on Youtube - the most viewed and downloaded track in Ireland and the second most tweeted video in the entire Western world. Still, it remains at number two and really needs that final push.

The choice, as always, is up to you. Check out the two videos below and decide for yourself. And, in the words of Willie O'Dea (or it may have been Spike Lee, we always confuse the two), be sure to do the right thing.