Thanks to the long-standing involvement of 2FM producer Ian Wilson, there is always an Irish element to Eurosonic.

Wilson ensures that the much-maligned station pays for a couple of bands to travel to Holland each year and also broadcasts their performances from the festival.

This year, 2FM was represented by Cathy Davey and Republic of Loose, while two other Irish acts, Si Schroeder and Halves, also played at the festival.

There were healthy crowds to see all four acts; Cathy Davey and Republic of Loose were particularly impressive.

It begs the question why other organisations and bodies are not following 2FM's lead in making the most of Eurosonic as a promotional opportunity.

For example, the festival could be an ideal way for new government agency Culture Ireland to market the country's rock and pop sector to a very responsive European audience.