‘This DJ said, “Look at Imelda May, I mean, she’s a bit long in the tooth to be releasing music”’ – sexism in the Irish music industry

In her new book, activist Linda Coogan Byrne exposes the startling gender inequality in Irish music. Here, she talks about the shock statistics, female artists’ struggle to get airplay and why everyone from labels to promoters and radio bosses keep passing the buck

Linda Coogan Byrne. Photo: Maria Quintero Guerrero

Tanya Sweeney

“Men make better music than women.”

“Women just moan.”