Last night’s 2026 edition of A New Local Hero in Dublin saw Midwest Radio’s representative Chris Cresham win the Wildcard Award.
The nationwide talent search culminated in a finale event in The Academy, which saw Shimmer Boy crowned the overall winner.
Chris won the public vote to get the Wildcard Award and will receive a bursary of €2,500.
A New Local Hero is one of the key elements of Irish Music Month – an intiative of Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, supported by Coimisiún na Meán.
21 local and regional radio stations submitted their individual New Local Heroes as part of the talent search, which an industry judging panel whittled down to six national finalists.