The short back story to Irish troubadour Ryan McMullan’s arrival on the world stage is that Ed Sheeran discovered him at a show in London and took him on board as an opening act for his world-conquering tour.

But front and centre before an enthusiastic full house, you realise immediately he is the real deal. The way he purports himself on stage reflects a craftsman offering a showcase of catchy pop tunes with an incredible voice and warm engagement with fans.

The tale-end of his 90-minute show included a couple of covers, but, as only the best singers do, his offering was a reinterpretation that honoured the song and shone on the light on his talent as well. Those covers, both of which he’s well-known for, were The Streets of New York, and Lake Pontchartrain.

McMullan finished the show with a dramatic a capella version of Lake Pontchartrain, a song of origins almost 200 years ago in America, sung on the dining floor amongst the crowd at Lizotte’s. To own a cover song with such panache and truth takes an inner confidence only a wild Irishman could have.

The Streets of New York was popularised in Ireland by the Wolf Tones in the 1980s. The ballad tells the rich story of an Irish immigrant coming to the US, and McMullan does it full credit.

 McMullan was supported by percussionist Paul Hamilton, who doubles as his manager, but the show was all about the kid, talented on every instrument he touched – his Korg organ, acoustic guitar and electric guitar. And that voice!

Late in the show he introduced Oh Susannah, perhaps his best song, as a piece encouraged by Ed Sheeran (so they would have a song they could sing together). In a set full of songs about love and relationships, it was a stand-out. 

Letting Go for a While, about saying goodbye to his parents at an Irish airport as he took off on overseas ventures, was another massively appealing tune. Simple story, told evocatively, with a great hook.

He writes songs that resonate with an intimate crowd, yet feel like they could hold a stadium. More hard work, more exposure and a little Irish luck and McMullan could find himself on top of the world for a long time. 

(McMullan is playing a set on Saturday night at Lizotte’s before the scheduled headliner, Dragon.)