Blazing on stage brandishing a pike (see photos) Damien Dempsey surely made the standout entrance of this year's Live at the Marquee. Dempsey has a formidable presence but wielding a 3-meter spear brought it to another level. An emotion-filled show that contained a glittering of his best-loved songs, a duet of ‘Ireland Free’ with Cork’s own beloved John Spillane, a moving tribute to the people of Palestine, as Damien dedicated ‘Born Without Hate’ to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a poignant note by paying his respects to Shane MacGowan, Sinead O’Connor, Séamus Begley, and Christy Dignam and dedicating a heartfelt rendition of ‘Rainy Night In Soho’, plus funny stories about his clothing choices all accumulated to one of the gigs at the year at the Cork Marina!

Special guests on the night were Limerick's Hermitage Green.