FANCY A NIGHT in celebrating our amazing and talented traditional musicians?
Gradam Ceoil TG4 recognises and celebrates the best of the best in Irish traditional music, taking place on May 5 in the University Concert Hall in Limerick. Covering several categories, these awards acknowledge the recipients’ performance and cultural impact at home and abroad.
This year marks the 27th edition of the awards, which is always a highly-anticipated event in the traditional music calendar. The artistry and talent of the recipients will be broadcast across the globe through TG4’s platforms, showcasing their amazing music, song and dance.
Those honoured on the night reflect the outstanding vibrancy and diversity in the Irish trad scene and are a testament to the huge work being done to ensure that tradition continues to evolve and capture the attention of audiences, both in Ireland and beyond.
Speaking on the awards, TG4 commissioning editor, Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, said, “TG4 is delighted to be afforded this opportunity to recognise these stars that shine bright within our tradition.”
Gradam is a token of gratitude from us to the many performers who grace our traditional music programmes week in, week out. We are delighted that we can help bring their music to global audiences through the live broadcast of Gradam Ceoil 2024. Comhghairdeas leis na faighteoirí uilig,” she adds.
Here is the full list of those being honoured at the ceremony in May:
Gradam Ceoil TG4 2024 / Musician – Derek Hickey
Amhránaí TG4 2024 / Singer – Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin
Ceoltóir Óg TG4 2024 / Young Musician – Macdara Ó Faoláin
Gradam Saoil TG4 2024 / Lifetime Achievement – Jean Butler
Cumadóir TG4 2024 / Composer – Ryan Molloy
Grúpa Ceoil TG4 2024 / Music Group – The Kane Sisters
Gradam Comaoine TG4 2024 / Outstanding Contribution – Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí
For both the Gradam Ceoil and Amhránaí winners, these awards are the crowning achievement of careers that have seen them capture the hearts of audiences at home and abroad.
Derek Hickey is a box player who has performed as part of Arcady and De Dannan and is a virtuoso in terms of the master accordion players here in Ireland.
Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin has seen his star rise with the release of his debut solo album, ‘The Deepest Breath’, a masterpiece in sean-nós singing that connects deeply with audiences both within traditional music and more mainstream punters.
Macdara Ó Faoláin will receive this year’s Ceoltóir Óg. Hailing from An Rinn, County Waterford, Macdara is a multi-instrumentalist and more. Alongside his deep passion for listening to and playing Irish traditional music, his role as an instrument maker further outlines his connection to the culture. Macdara is a professional luthier, building beautiful, fretted instruments, primarily bouzoukis and mandolins.
“We were raised with all types of music, from Planxty to my father’s jazz albums, and all things in between. Both my brothers played before me and some of my earliest memories are listening to a tape of Planxty Live in Vicar Street 2004 in our family van. I became obsessed with this, in particular Andy Irvine’s playing and the path was quite clear after that! I really owe a lot to Planxty and how they captured my interest!”
He was honoured to be recognised as Ceoltóir Óg this year, and encourages audiences “to follow what feels good in terms of music.”
Music is an unbelievable tool of expression and I think that following what emotion it brings out in you will lead you to the music that you crave and that you will have a deep passion for. I think the best way to explore this is by listening to as much music as possible, from as many different places as possible! I find that all we usually need is a little hook, before we’re suddenly off on a new path, full of learning – aren’t we lucky?”
Alongside the latest talent in the scene, the awards also recognise those whose steady presence paved the way for new green shoots to emerge. They include dancer and choreographer Jean Butler, one of the leading figures in the world of contemporary Irish dance performance and composer Ryan Molloy, who has appeared on over 30 albums.
Butler is being honoured with the Gradam Saoil award for her impact on Irish dancing, including starring in Riverdance during the 1994 Eurovision intermission and beyond, and for her preservation work, including the creation of Our Steps, her not-for-profit organisation that expands the way we think about the history, practice and performance of Irish dance.
Molloy’s career has seen his work performed on four continents, collaborations with some of the best traditional Irish musicians of the last twenty years and his own excellent solo recordings.
It is humbling to feel that you have contributed something to our rich tradition in way that is recognised by a panel of your musical peers, and to be the latest in a long line of phenomenal musicians who have won this award, people that I’ve grown up listening to and have been influenced by,” said Ryan.
For the Grúpa Ceoil award, the Kane Sisters of Connemara have been honoured with selection. Their work as musicians and teachers has earned them recognition and respect within the scene, as has their touring with Sharon Shannon and their own releases.
Growing up, music was a big part of our family, so it was only natural to pursue it ourselves and now share it with others,” they said.
To encourage people to listen to Irish music, the Kane Sisters said “we would recommend that others immerse themselves in Irish music by listening to as many older players and old recordings as possible, and listen again and then listen some more! Try to develop your own unique approach by exploring different styles. You will always be learning.”
Lastly, Gradam Comaoine will go to Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí. The organisation was formed in the early 1980s to help support and promote the art of fiddle playing in the Donegal tradition. Led by musician/researcher/author Caoimhín MacAoidh and fiddle-maker, Rab Cherry, the organisation’s core mission is to strengthen Donegal fiddle playing at its roots, and to improve standards, promote participation in all aspects of Donegal fiddle music and encourage the transmission of the Donegal styles and repertoire.
The work of Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí over more than four decades has required the help and hard work of a host of musicians, volunteers, partnering and funding organisations as well as a variety of supporters. The Gradam Ceoil is a wonderful recognition of the efforts of all those forces,” said the group.
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 ceremony promises to be an incredible showcase of skill, artistry and talent within the traditional Irish music scene. Engaging to all, from the super fan to simply curious, the celebration of talent will make for an unmissable evening. Gradam Ceoil will be shown live on TG4 and TG4.ie on May 5 at 9.30pm, and will be available on the TG4 player afterwards.
Watch Gradam Ceoil TG4 LIVE online on Sunday at 9:30pm on the TG4 Player.
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