A group of fantastic fiddlers from Donegal have won a coveted Gradam Ceoil TG4 prize for 2024.
Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí were announced as the winners of the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ Gradam Comaoine award during a special lunchtime concert at the University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy.
Gradam Ceoil TG4, now in its 27th year continues to recognise and celebrate the absolute best in performance and cultural impact in seven categories.
Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí 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.
Cairdeas na bhFidiléirií. Picture: Alan Place.
The organisation’s main events include the annual Donegal Fiddlers’ Summer School in Glencolmbcille and the October Donegal Fiddlers’ Meeting Glenties. Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí has issued a substantial body of recordings by fiddle players, past and present, and shares a wealth of information about fiddle styles and associated history and folklore on its website, Donegal Fiddle Music.
Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí’s monumental efforts in preserving local traditions and nurturing a vibrant musical community have left an indelible mark in Donegal and beyond. Its influence extends to every fiddle player in the county, from legendary figures like Tommy Peoples to contemporary icons like Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, and rising stars like Megan Nic Fhionnghaile. The diverse and dynamic crop of contemporary fiddle players across Donegal stands as a testament to the profound impact of this organisation’s contribution.
Cairdeas na bhFidléirí operates as a not-for-profit voluntary organisation and any income generated is invested directly into their events, programmes, publications, projects and support for living artists. Its mission is supported by An Chomhairle Ealaíon/The Arts Council who provide vital financial support for this work.
This year’s Gradam Ceoil TG4 concert takes place at The University Concert Hall in Limerick on Sunday May 5th. The Gala concert and award ceremony will broadcast live on TG4 and TG4.ie from 9:30pm. Tickets available at Gradam Ceoil TG4 tickets