The Battle of the Axe

14/04/2026

Sad news on many of our Mothers in recent times. Our deepest sympathies to Eamonn McLoughlin on the passing of his Mother this week and to all his family 🙏🕯🕊Funeral details in link here. Regards Tony https://rip.ie/death-notice/bernadette-mcloughlin-dublin-portobello-627698?fbclid=IwY2xjawRLkXtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR4GpWSSIiVQFNpTmV8TFGJEXNfSOHOALALFxFTXWMW7ahgWZXtkvNguXNqqAg_aem_SFSjUF5X1SxjW5l6GCNZSA3/

The death has occurred of Bernadette McLoughlin (née Byrne) of Portobello, Dublin Ireland, on 11/04/2026. You can view the full death notice and add your condolences here.

11/04/2026

Mark Langley Interesting pre The Script history [The Irish Times]
Plus original band Westside ! & pre Westlife!!

Guitarist, co-founder of the band, died in hospital after a short illness

08/04/2026

Our condolences to our Battle of the Axe stalwart Eddie Naessens and his family and Diarmuid on the passing of their mother. May she rest in peace 🙏 🕯 🕊

The death has occurred of Maureen Naessens (née Ryan) of Gorey, Wexford Ireland, on 04/04/2026. You can view the full death notice and add your condolences here.

20/02/2026

People in Need 2007 - Battle of the Axe 24hr show at the Tivoli❤️❤️❤️

18/02/2026

Remaining tickets on Ticketmaster.ie 🙀

31/01/2026

🚨 **BIG SHOW UPDATE!** 🚨

Due to **massive demand**, we’ve been **upgraded** from the Copper Room to the **Venue at the Imperial Hotel** - a **bigger space, full professional sound system, and a bar open right through till closing!** 🍻🎤

And it couldn’t come at a better time because…

🔥 **Battle of the Axe Comedy Club is BACK!** 🔥
We are proud to present a **Special Charity Comedy Night** in loving memory of **Dundalk comedian Brenda Woods Finegan**, taking place on **St Brigid’s Evening** — a night of laughter, community, and celebration of a truly special talent. ❤️

🎤 **HEADLINING THE NIGHT**
⭐ **Patrick McDonnell** (Eoin McLove from *Father Ted*) - Louth’s own and currently appearing on **RTÉ’s *The Unreal***
⭐ **Ashlee Bentley** - *Show Me The Funny* winner and star of **Virgin Media’s *The Craic Den Comedy Club***

🎭 **SUPPORT ACTS**
Bringing the laughs on the night:
**Elizabeth Redmond** & **Shinanne Higgins** (Dundalk’s own), plus
**Louise O’Toole, Diane O’Connor & Angela Mullin**

🎙 **HOSTED BY**
Your MC for the night will be the brilliant **Ciaran McMahon**

🕗 **Show kicks off at 8PM sharp**
🎶 **Full sound system**
🍹 **Bar open all night**
🎟 **Loads of tickets available now on Eventbrite!**

This is shaping up to be a **huge night of comedy, heart and hometown pride** for Brenda's remembrance so grab your tickets, **spread the word**, and come be part of something special.

👉 [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978822995849?aff=oddtdtcreator

21/01/2026

Robbie Bonham - Rest in peace fronting his peers at the Battle of the Axe as ever. Amazing character, mixed it with the best on comedy stages here in Ireland & the UK. He settled into Liberties life like he was born here. So many people have passed away since the lockdowns that should be still here and Robbie is one of them 🙏🕯🕊⚘ 🙏🕯🕊⚘🌻 And in the same picture is also the great John Dawson. rest in peace who passed away late Summer last year. It was a chronic 12 months for some of our besties 🙏🕯🕊

14/01/2026

Thanks to all comedians who got back and expressed an interest in performing on our Brenda Woods Finegan remembrance gig in The Imperial Hotel Dundalk Feb 1st 2026. In the end we went with with those who performed with her most, from her area and those who got back quickest. Again thanks so much to everyone. And all support is appreciated on the night too. Tickets Available on Eventbrite - Thanks, Tony www.battleoftheaxe.com

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1978822995849?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/01/2026

“St Brigid’s Night – Charity Comedy Special”

“In remembrance of Brenda Woods Finegan ❤️

February 1st 2026 • 8:00pm - The Imperial Hotel, Dundalk
https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/arts---entertainment/1987222/charity-comedy-gig-in-aid-of-louth-woman-brenda-finegan.html



Ticket's link:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1978822995849?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/01/2026

The last word! A year in which we lost some truly amazing performers and supporters of the Battle of the Axe: Clodagh Downing, Robbie Bonham, Brenda Woods Finegan, and John Dawson — all taken far too young. May they all rest in peace 🙏🕯🕊⚘⚘⚘⚘.
On a positive note: Comedy recognition - A heartfelt thank you to whose dedication and initiative set this campaign in motion, and to our public representatives for helping us achieve a successful outcome in recognising comedy within our national arts agencies. Thanks also to everyone across the comedy industry who supported Ails and stood behind her efforts. With all the cross party support in Dail Eireann and from accross the nation it was evident that many nudged their local TDs in the right direction. While not everyone chose to take part, that’s simply the way of the world & it takes all kinds to make it go around. We’re grateful for the progress made and for all who helped bring it to life.”
It’s awesome to think that many will benefit from Ails McCarty's endeavours in the years to come 🌟💪☘❤💯👏👏👏👏.
2026
And we're now looking forward to our tribute show to Brenda in Dundalk early Feburary 2026. No doubt everyone will be sick of hearing from me by then 😜 ❤️💚 Regards, Tony Battle of the Axe

31/12/2025

The John Dawson Tribute Night Aug 2025. I'm sure others may have photos of the show if they wish to share. Regards, Tony

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