This past Friday in Kilkenny was the annual IMRO Radio Awards, a ceremony that seeks to celebrate and honor the best in Irish radio. Once again, Dara Quilty was this year’s big winner. At the end of the night, The Big Ride Home with Dara Quilty picked up Music Programme of the Year for the third consecutive year. The win was seen by many as a triumphant achievement against bigger national stations. Quilty didn't stop there though. He also went on to be awarded arguably the most prestigious prize of the night, Music and Entertainment Broadcaster of the Year.

Speaking about his achievements Quilty commented, “I hosted the Big Ride Home on 98FM for 5 years, stepping down in Aug to work abroad was a tough decision but winning the double last night was an sensational way to finish my run. I am very grateful to the industry, judges, and team at 98FM.” It should be noted 98FM also took home the award for Music Station of the Year.

So, what's Quilty going to be up to now? He says his plan is to focus his energy on his band, Apella.

That's not all though. Quilty also has plans to break in America. Dara has joined forces with MTV across the pond, starring in a new series that features A-List names like Ed Sheeran and Ashley Tisdale. Quilty recorded 10 episodes for their 99 Questions series which airs every Tuesday on Facebook. (Two episodes are already available). He's also been spending time chasing leads in Brooklyn.

We're wishing him the best of luck in the next phase of his career! We will certainly miss hearing his voice grace the Irish radiowaves.