Jamie McIntyre’s sold-out tour rolled into Monroe’s in Galway this past weekend. For the hometown hero this felt like a victory lap, a celebration, and a sneak peek at a skyrocketing career, all rolled into one unforgettable night.
The final stop on his sold-out tour across Ireland, Monroe’s was the obvious choice for a grand finale. From the moment doors opened, with queues having formed long before, you could feel this one was going to be something special. In fact, that feeling had been building all week, with fans scrambling to grab the last few remaining tickets. The venue was packed, close to 500 strong, and from the sea of Galway colours in the crowd to Jamie’s newly gifted Galway United jersey, it was clear this night was a heartfelt love letter to his hometown and the people who helped him get here.
Jamie’s connection with the crowd was unshakable. Before the show even started, I wandered around the venue and chatted with some fans. Many of whom were eager to share stories about their favourite songs, lyrics and if they knew Jamie personally. Not too long ago, he was busking on the streets surrounding Monroe’s. Now, he was packing it to the rafters. Moments like that, where everything comes full circle, don’t come around too often.
Support on the night came from two acts who each brought something special. First up was Groev, a band I’ve been quietly falling in love with since catching them at Dolan’s in Limerick. Their chemistry and musical talent continue to impress, and they absolutely earned every new fan they got from their set. The lads are as genuine as it comes and fully deserve all the good heading their way. Next up was John Gaughan, who delivered sharp songwriting, a sprinkle of wit and humour, and had a great rapport with the crowd. Later, he even returned to the stage to play backing guitar for Jamie. A total workhorse, and overflowing with talent.
Jamie hit the stage to a massive roar. The screams were deafening, I saw one girl shake her friend in pure excitement, and this was before he had even adjusted his microphone. The setlist was full of fan favourites and a few unreleased gems. Tracks like “Y.O.U.”, “Last Name,” and “San Diego” had the crowd buzzing, while “Grá” triggered a sea of phones raised to capture the moment. My personal favourite “Not Nothing” was absolutely beautiful. The whole room lit up with phone flashes as everyone sang along. Jamie’s voice is genuinely mesmerising at times, and this track was one of those moments.
“Mo Chailín, Mo Chroí” was up next. One that many in the crowd won’t forget anytime soon. The brilliant Dawna, ever the pro, arrived straight from another show just in time to belt this one out with Jamie. The two made their way into the crowd, and in a sea of phone lights, they held the room in the palm of their hands. At points, the crowd was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, then suddenly the whole venue erupted, joining in for the chorus. It was magic.
Next up was “West is Home,” which had the whole place bouncing, followed by “Outside the City,” Jamie’s upcoming single that’s already picking up serious traction online. Speaking of traction, unfortunately, his car recently had none. The lyrics hit a little too close to home last week when the car Jamie was travelling in broke down just outside the city on the way to support Dave Lofts in Dublin. One perfectly timed video later (shout-out to driver and filmer Louise), and the moment is turning into viral gold. Thankfully, the track more than earns the hype, it’s catchy, sharp, and already feels like a fan favourite in the making. We’ll have the full review when it lands on June 10th.
To close, Jamie gave the crowd what they were waiting for: “Over Galway Town.” The room absolutely exploded. It was packed, sweaty, and the kind of moment that artists dream of. You couldn’t write a better ending.
After the lights came up, Jamie didn’t disappear. He took a moment backstage to compose himself and then stuck around to meet everyone, taking selfies, shaking hands, having real chats. It was a reminder that, despite the rising profile, he remains a proper humble and warm guy.
Sunday night at Monroe’s was the perfect way to wrap up the tour. Sure, Jamie might still be considered an up-and-comer, but this show felt like a real arrival. I’ve been to countless gigs, and I’d struggle to recall a time when the love between an artist and their crowd felt this genuine. As an emotional Jamie put it on social media afterward, these are “his people” and “his heart.” And if the energy in Monroe’s is anything to go by, it’s only a matter of time before he’s playing to even bigger stages and even bigger crowds.
Groev photos:
John Gaughan photos:
Jamie McIntyre photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Y.O.U
Melbourne
Last Name
Everything
Say You Need Me
Grá
San Diego
Not Nothing
Mo Chailín Mo Chroí
West is Home
Outside the City
Over Galway Town
Photos & Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography