Finbar Furey to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Decorated multi instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer and actor Finbar Furey will be the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Friends of The Gaelic Players Association in New York tomorrow, October 4th at their Gaelic Heritage Awards & Dinner Gala.

Furey's work now spans across six decades, which includes being a founding member of The Fureys, receiving accolades such as best Single of the Year by John Peel in 1972 alongside his brother Eddie, before embarking on a solo career in the late 90s. The musician has also a had career in acting, including appearances in the likes of the Martin Scorsese directed Gangs of New York as well of the likes of Adam and Paul and Love/Hate.

Speaking on being the first recipient of the award, Furey said: "I'm honoured, delighted and taken by surprise to be given this Lifetime Achievement Award. It's a very special feeling to be recognised like this. I'm (nearly) speechless."

The purpose of the award is to acknowledge and celebrate individuals who have excelled in providing an outstanding service in their fields of work while also recognising the deep historical and cultural ties between Ireland and the US. The folk icon has been chosen for the award due to his wide-ranging, illustrious career both nationally and internationally.

"The Gaelic Players Association is honoured to present Finbar Furey with the GPA US Lifetime Achievement Award for 2018 Finbar Furey is not only a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, storyteller and actor but he is one of Ireland’s most famous and talented sons. Finbar's influence on Irish music at home and abroad is recognised widely. A man of immense creative talent and passionate Gaelic games supporter, his soulful music represents values cherished by players such as courage, honesty, diversity and compassion."

Still actively creating and performing today, Furey released an album and live DVD in March titled Don’t Stop This Now, and also completed live dates in UK and Ireland in support of it. Below you can watch a rare video of Finbar performing 'The Taxi’s Waiting' from the record with his daughter, Aine.