Tony Clayton-Lea

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Tony Clayton-Lea is a contributor to The Irish Times specialising in popular culture

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Best music in 2025: Irish Times critics choose the albums and acts of the year

From CMAT to Chappell Roan, and Maria Somerville to Rosalía, women have ruled the industry this year

Sat Dec 27 2025 - 05:20

2025 in music: The five best Irish albums of the year

Irish acts have released more than 300 albums over the past 12 months. These are our favourites

Sat Dec 27 2025 - 05:07

Event guide: New Year’s Eve gigs, Picture This and the other best things to see in Ireland in the week ahead

December 27th, 2025-January 2nd, 2026: The best movies, music, art and more coming your way this week

Fri Dec 26 2025 - 04:59

‘For fans of’ music: 2025 has been a phenomenal year for Irish artists

Tony Clayton-Lea reflects on a phenomenal year in the annals of Irish music

Thu Dec 25 2025 - 05:00

The Music Quiz: Olivia Dean’s middle name was inspired by which US singer?

Plus: By which professional stage name is Dominic Richard Harrison better known?

Wed Dec 24 2025 - 04:54

‘I’m definitely not a gambler. I have a family and responsibilities’

Me & My Money: John Molloy, cofounder of Memo Paris Fragrances

Mon Dec 22 2025 - 06:00

Michael Keegan-Dolan: ‘Manchán Magan was my very good friend . . . I’m doing this in honour of him’

The choreographer and dancer on agreeability, the pursuit of happiness, and his superpower

Sun Dec 21 2025 - 06:00

Event guide: Cian Ducrot, Lisa O’Neill and Junior Brother, and the other best things to see in Ireland in the week ahead

December 20th-26th, 2025: The best movies, music, art and more coming your way this week

Fri Dec 19 2025 - 04:58

The Music Quiz: Which Hollywood actor ‘gave good face’ in Madonna’s Vogue?

Plus: Singer-songwriter Tash Sultana’s middle name is also the surname of which famous musician?

Wed Dec 17 2025 - 04:54

‘I’m a bit careless with money at times. It’s important not to let it rule your life’

Ciara Ní Mhurchú is a fiddler and dancer, and a member of Celtic Woman and BIIRD

Mon Dec 15 2025 - 06:00

Justin McCarthy: ‘There is a can’t-do attitude to the big problems we have in this country’

Newly announced RTÉ Radio 1 Morning Ireland co-presenter on his strongest childhood memory and who would play him in a biopic

Sat Dec 13 2025 - 06:00

Event guide: Merchy Christmas, Kneecap and the other best things to go to in Ireland in the week ahead

December 13th-19th, 2025: The best movies, music, art and more coming your way this week

Fri Dec 12 2025 - 04:52

The Music Quiz: Which Van Morrison song did Bob Dylan encore with at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall?

Plus: Which US television show used Napalm Death’s You Suffer as an alert for fluctuations in Bitcoin?

Wed Dec 10 2025 - 04:52

‘Haggling is part of the fun. I consider haggling an absolute God-given right’

Me & My Money: Lloyd Hutchinson, actor

Mon Dec 08 2025 - 06:00

Trinny’s Irish right-hand man: ‘School was tough. I was bullied and had undiagnosed dyslexia’

John Corcoran, the Dublin-born chief make-up artist for Trinny Woodall, on his character traits, happiest moment, and his fixation with songs and clothes

Sat Dec 06 2025 - 06:00