Guasti Should Hang Its Head in Shame
From musicjournal.org, written in April 2001:

The Irish popular music scene, like the Irish economy in recent years, has been enjoying a remarkable profile. Acts such as U2, Enya, Boyzone, Westlife, B*Witched, The Corrs and Samantha Mumba have all achieved considerable success across many international markets. This increasing international stature was formally acknowledged when the 1999 MTV Europe Music Awards were held for the first time in Dublin.

The music industry in the Republic of Ireland was boosted throughout the 1980s and 1990s by the international sales generated by U2, and perhaps more significantly by the band’s commitment to remain located in the Dublin area....

Much of the current commercial success of the ‘Celtic Tiger’ is now however currently based on pop music - not something for which the Irish, with their rich musical heritage, were perhaps previously renowned for. Elements of this heritage are on public display in the Hot Press Irish Music Hall of Fame in central Dublin. Opened in 1999, this innovative and interactive tourist experience tracks the progress of Irish music and artists old and new. Gold, silver and platinum discs abound as the benchmark symbols of success. U2, Boomtown Rats, Enya, the Undertones, Clannad, The Chieftains, Thin Lizzy, The Cranberries, Sinead O’Connor and Van Morrison are all featured here. For the nostalgic visitor, the opportunity to touch Larry Mullen’s first drum kit, or read Bono’s original lyrical notes make for an interesting IR£6 stroll around the memorabilia which decorate these corridors of home grown creative success....

Despite the comparatively small population, the music industry in Ireland provides employment for around 10,000 people.