Agreed, all three books in the trilogy are brilliant. The other two films were ok but didn't have the budget of The Commitments.
One of my favourite films of all time, the music and storyline was fantastic. Whatever happened to the lead singer? He either had amazing stage presence and a great voice or was a brilliant actor, either way I can't understand why we didn't see and hear more from him.
Good question, as plenty of tat that appears on telly talent shows become so popular they're on all the time, and this guy disappeared off screen.
http://irishamerica.com/2009/10/andrew-strong-life-after-the-commitments/ (That's a few years old, but he still seems to be generally singing and touring.)
Just had a google He's only 42 & was 16 when cast in The Commitments. http://www.andrewstrong.com/biography/