Árainn Mhór’s legendary singer Róise Rua was inducted into the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards Hall of Fame at last night’s awards.
A rich celebration of the very best in folk music in Ireland from the past year took place last night at Vicar Street.
Róise, who was also known as Róise na nAmhrán, passed on a rich heritage of folk music and preserved many songs that would otherwise have been lost, but have now travelled far beyond her home county.
Georgina Dudgeon, a relative of Róise Rua who has been involved in promoting and celebrating her great-grand-aunt’s legacy, was among the guests of honour at Vicar Street and accepted the award on her behalf.
Photo Tony Kinlan Photography
Brían & Diarmuid Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds), Fiona & Aoife Ní Ghloinn, with Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill. Photo Tony Kinlan Photography
Donegal was well represented among the finalists last night, with a win for Kilcar fiddler Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill, who collaborated with Natalie Ní Chasaide on “Welcome Home, Gráinne”.
They scooped the prize for Best Traditional Folk Track.
Natalie Ní Chasaide and Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill. Photo Tony Kinlan Photography
Altan of Gweedore was nominated for Best Folk Group, which went to Landless.
Letterkenny native Claire Kinsella, who is one half of folk duo Lemoncello with Laura Quirke, was nominated for Best Folk Album for the self-titled Lemoncello as well as Best Original Folk Track for “Old Friend”.
Diane Cannon from Meenlaragh was also nominated for Best Traditional Folk Track with “Bean an Fhir Ruaidh”.
Dónal Lunny, whose mother Mary Rogers hailed from Rann na Feirste, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards by Christy Moore. Donal also performed with his new group, Dónal Lunny’s Darkhorse, as part of the celebrations of his award.
Donal Lunny receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Christy Moore. Photo Tony Kinlan Photography
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually by the Executive Steering Committee of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards to a living artist who has made a significant contribution to Irish folk music over many years. As this year’s recipient, Dónal joins a distinguished list of Lifetime Achievement recipients, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill (2024), Mary Black (2022), Christy Moore (2021), Steve Cooney (2020), Moya Brennan (2019) and Andy Irvine (2018).
If you missed the awards, or you want to relive them, don’t forget to watch our television highlights programme which will air on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Saturday 1st March 2024.
