A recipient of a prestigious Irish traditional music award with close ties to Clare says it’s a “strong day for the Banner” as a number of locals are set to be honoured at this year’s ceremony.
Several musicians from this county have been named as recipients of Gradam Ceoil 2026 at a special event in Spanish Point.
Now in its 29th year, Gradam Ceoil is widely-regarded as the highest honour in Irish traditional music, celebrating outstanding achievement, creativity and cultural impact across seven award categories.
At a special event fittingly held in the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point during the Willie Clancy Week, this year’s recipients have been announced, with Clare having plenty to celebrate.
80 years on from its founding in Minogue’s Bar in Tulla, the Tulla Céilí Band has been named as the recipient of ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award.
It comes just two months after longtime member Charlie Harris passed away.
Band leader Mark Donnellan says he wishes his former colleague and friend was here to see it.
All-female supergroup Cherish the Ladies has been confirmed as the winner of the ‘Music Group’ gong.
Set up in 1985, the group is led by New York’s Joanie Madden, whose mother is from Miltown Malbay, while also featuring Miltown Malbay resident Mary Coogan and Feakle native Kate Purcell.
Joanie says it’s a great day for Clare.
Connemara sibling duo Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta will be the first joint-winners of the ‘Young Musician’ category.
Séamus says it’s an honour to receive it in the Banner County.
The ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award has been bestowed on Limerick uilleann piper, singer and teacher, Mickey Dunne, who insists whatever the scoreline reads on a given day, his love extends to both sides of the border.
Tyrone fiddle and banjo master Cathal Hayden will be granted the top award, being named the recipient of the ‘Musician’ accolade, while West Kerry’s Pauline Scanlon is this year’s ‘Singer of the Year’ and Armagh’s Niall Vallely will be recognised in the ‘Composer’ category.
All recipients will be formally honoured at a concert and awards ceremony in the University Concert Hall in Limerick on September 13th.
Member of the selection committee for the awards, Caoimhín Ó Sé, believes the event shines a welcome light on traditional music and inspires future generations.
Listen to the full interview here
