The Belltable's 11th annual Unfringed festival got off to a controversial start, as audience members walked out at the antics of launch act Fab City rap artists.

Belltable staff apologised "unreservedly."

The trio of Limerick rappers were showcasing their talents with the backing of local musicians Eoin and Micheal O Suilleabhain and Dave Duffy, who trade under the moniker size2shoes.

However they met with stern criticism from some members of the public because of coarse language, aggressive demeanour and disrespectful remarks towards women.

The first of the rappers to appear, MC Nailerz, made reference to the feuds in Limerick, his own criminal offences, and made offensive remarks about crime journalist Paul Williams.

The second rapper MC Machete, was tame in comparison.

Yet just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water came MC Pobs, who proceeded to make obscene and degrading remarks about the female body.

Unfringed 2008

The O' Suilleabhain brothers were a stark contrast.

They provided mellow acoustic entertainment with complex song structures and lush harmonies, accompanied by Duffy on double bass.

It proved a gentle relief from the hostilities of the Fab City headliners.

Festival director Joanne Beirne, responded to the complaints by saying, "The Unfringed provides a platform for new and cutting edge acts. We were aware of size2shoes work with the rappers and agreed to give them a platform.

The piece was a work in development until Wednesday night. We were unaware of the content."