Sir, The 1997 IRMA music awards were a sham. The Spice Girls didn't sing, Peter Andre didn't sing and here was I thinking they were music awards. It was unfortunate that some of the winners didn't show, but RTE could at least have got a better presenter. What took the biscuit, however, was that poor man Charlie Lansborough. He accepted the award graciously, thanking his fans and "finally the man above." Well, maybe the man upstairs intervened on the night. This is the only way I can explain the fact that when he came to sing his acceptance song, the crowd had disappeared.
He filled the empty hall (with the help of some tinkly synthesised sounds) telling us how he wanted to "capture the joy and rapture". Unfortunately I don't think the audience (average age 15) would have appreciated these sentiments.
I think the pre recorded option was the only way RTE could prevent crowd trouble, as everyone seemed to run for the exits. Yours, etc., Balally Avenue, Dundrum, Dublin 16.