Pyro Collective / Jeremy Hickey (R.S.A.G.) – live gallery and review from UPMC Nowlan Park Kilkenny, Kilkenny Tradfest 16.03.2026

On the eve of Ireland’s national holiday, Lá le Pádraig, a striking fusion of rhythm and flame lit up the historic grounds of UPMC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny. As dusk settled, a crowd of 2,500 gathered in anticipation of a spectacle that promised both intensity and atmosphere and it delivered.

The night opened with Irish multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Hickey, known as Rarely Seen Above Ground (R.S.A.G.), whose signature drum performance set a powerful tone. His layered rhythms echoed across the stadium, building a hypnotic energy that pulled the audience into the experience from the very first beat.

As his set concluded, the momentum surged into something even more visually arresting. Pyro Collective took to the stage with a breathtaking fire show that blended immersive choreography, aerial acrobatics, and dramatic flame effects. Performers moved with precision and flair, wielding fire as both a visual and emotional force, while live drumming amplified the intensity.

The combination of music, movement, and fire created a deeply engaging atmosphere, both primal and celebratory. It was more than a performance, it felt like a ritual marking the arrival of St. Patrick’s Day. A bold and memorable evening that left the crowd energised and in awe.

Rarely Seen Above Ground (R.S.A.G.) photos:

Pyro Collective photos:

Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic