Clare FM Announces Finalists for Irish Music Month Local Hero Competition.
Irish Music Month - Finalists
Four outstanding Clare artists have been selected as finalists in ClareFM’s Irish Music Month Local Hero competition, showcasing the incredible diversity, creativity and talent emerging from the county’s vibrant music scene.
The four finalists, BRIARS, Jennifer Stratton, Genevieve and River Jensen, will now compete to become ClareFM’s official Local Hero for 2026 and take one step closer to national recognition as part of Irish Music Month.
Irish Music Month, an initiative of Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI), celebrates Irish artists and the vital role local radio stations play in supporting homegrown music talent. The campaign highlights emerging performers while providing a platform to help launch careers from local success to national and international audiences.
Meet The Finalists
BRIARS
BRIARS are an alternative/indie-folk and trad band from all over Ireland. Their sound ranges from fragile subtlety to raucous energy, visiting every stop along the way, always underlined with a signature twist.
The first full lineup was put together in 2023, with a live debut in one of Cork City’s most iconic venues, Coughlan’s. Word would spread quickly about the band’s energetic 6-piece live show and original, authentic sound, combining their traditional influences with more contemporary approaches and textures. BRIARS sound like nobody else.
Successful showcases at AICF (Florida), and Your Roots Are Showing (Belfast) have resulted in BRIARS being booked for a number of US festivals in the summer of 2027. A new live EP is set for release in September this year, along with their first London shows. Their debut studio EP is set for release in February 2027.
Jennifer Stratton
Jennifer Stratton is proof that while you may eventually ditch the emo eyeliner and white hot hair straighteners, you never truly outgrow the “feeling”.
Raised in the West of Ireland, on a steady diet of pop-punk and all the hair colours, Jennifer has channeled the angst of her youth into an emotive and energetic blend of alt-pop and rock. Her sound is built on thoughtful songwriting and melodies that will stay with you long after you hear them. She isn’t just singing to you; she’s inviting you into the story.
Fresh off her appearance at the Emerging Artist Festival in Galway City in August and after supporting Rachel Grace on her Debut Album tour earlier this year, Jennifer is currently finalising her next single for release and plans to record her first EP later this year!
Genevieve
Genevieve is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician, originally from County Tyrone and now based in Ennis, County Clare. Her unique sound blends easy-listening and acoustic folk singer-songwriter styles, shaped by a love of storytelling, strong melodies and interesting guitar arrangements.
Now living in Clare with her family, Genevieve performs regularly at events across the county and beyond. Music has been part of Genevieve’s life from an early age. Growing up in a family of eight children, she learned to play a range of instruments before picking up the guitar. She began singing as a teenager and later performed on stage in the Dome at the Rose of Tralee International Festival as the Tyrone Rose.
River Jensen
River Jensen is a folk singer-songwriter based in Killaloe, Co. Clare.
Blending warm acoustic sounds with honest, reflective lyrics, his songs explore love, memory and the quiet moments that shape us.
He performs regularly around the local music scene while continuing to build a collection of original music.
