Live Report: Saw Doctors rally dejected rugby fans

An event which was at one stage described to be clash for music and rugby fans, became the hottest ticket in town when it was announced that the Galway rock band The Saw Doctors, would show the Ireland vs New Zealand Ruby World Cup quarter final on Saturday night before appearing on stage at 10pm. It was set to be a cracker of a night for Irish rugby fans, Saw Doctor Fans and craic fiends alike.

In a tweet circulating on X last Wednesday one person shared the announcement that the Saw Doctors were to play the Irish rugby quarter final on the big screen in the Olympia theatre before taking to the stage. The user @GerryMcbride described the upcoming event as:

'Ireland beat New Zealand and then a Saw Doctors gig kicks off immediately afterwards? One of youse must have a genie lamp and one wish left.'

Rather crucially however, whoever's dad held this genie lamp forgot to make his wishes correctly, namely the first one, that Ireland would beat New Zealand.

The Olympia theatre was charged with pre match atmosphere. Fans of rugby and music alike donned green and downed pints of Guinness, and filled the pews and the theatre floor. The crowd was responsive to every try, scrum or interception played on the big screen. The undertone of the electricity of the fans was the game would be tough; but ultimately Sexton's side would come on top.

The Saw Doctors at 3Olympia Theatre. Saturday 14th of October 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Observant audience members could catch a glimpse of the band viewing the match from the right hand side of the stage. Whether the double bill was planned for audience members benefits or The Saw Doctors is unknown, but it seems that there were rugby fans both on the stage and in the audience.

After a nerve wrecking first half, fans swarmed the bar, still hopeful that the Irish side was going to take the lead after a 17-18 halftime score.

But no such hopes were fulfilled, in what has since been described as 'one of the best teams to go out at the quarter final, the Irish team fought tooth and nail till the end, but their effort was ultimately unrewarded.

The room, once so lively and filled with chants, oos and ahs, became dejected, subdued. I had not felt such a palpable tension and stress in a room since I was teenager, sitting my leaving certificate, in a room full of teenagers also sitting the most important exam of their lives.

Like a comedian coming on stage after a set that bombed, the Tuam rockers had a challenge with a crowd that should have been jubilant, but instead morose.

Opening with 'World of Good', the Galway rock group lit a fire under disheartened rugby fans and once again revived that electric atmosphere. There is a certain pleasure to be derived from watching someone do their job well, and seeing the crowd mold like putty in the hands of front man Leo Moran, was a feat to be admired.

Other gig highlights include Tommy K, featuring a chanting and cheering from a triumphant crowd, everyone calling back 'Tommy K' on command. You'd be forgiven for thinking that the Irish team had won earlier.

The Saw Doctors at 3Olympia Theatre. Saturday 14th of October 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

There was a moment of commiseration however when the band played 'Galway and Mayo' and I could not help but think to myself that I am grateful I am not a Mayo GAA supporter. My poor heart could not cope with disappointments like the Irish rugby quarter final on the regular. The ballad provided a soothing balm for sports fans.

But every the master of the crowd, the Tuam band knew how to keep the vibe going, bringing the bosca ceoil out and playing fan favourites such as 'Clare Island'.

The highlight of the emotionally turbulent night came in the form of the band's song 'N-17', the ultimate song of their set. The Saw Doctors are designed for shameless singing along, and 'N-17' demonstrates this better than almost any other track.

The song died, the band left the stage, and in the darkened Olympia theatre, a chant of 'Ole Ole Ole' began, truly, the energy was recovered magnificently by The Saw Doctor's performance.

As part of their encourse, the band performed their most popular song 'I Usedta Love Her' to a raucous crowd roaring in joy.

Their impressive 5 song encore was wrapped up by Amhrán na bhFiann. A night filled with ups and downs left rugby and music fans in full knowledge that there are few bands can do a live show well as The Saw Doctors.