Dublin folk singer John Francis Flynn has picked up nominations for two internationally renowned music awards this week, following the release of his acclaimed debut solo album, I Would Not Live Always, last year via River Lea.

He was nominated in the Artist Of The Year category for Folk Alliance's International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs) 2022 – alongside the likes of Allison Russell, Arooj Aftab, Kalani Pe'a and The Longest Johns.

The IFMAs are considered "the premier recognition of folk music industry leaders, legends, unsung heroes, and rising talent." The 2022 awards ceremony will be held in Kansas City, Missouri on May 18, and will be streamed virtually on YouTube for public viewing.

Congratulations to @TheLongestJohns, @kalanipeamusic, @outsidechild13, @arooj_aftab, and @JFFdublin! FAI members, cast your vote for Artist of the Year here: https://t.co/lsp8uQpGw2 pic.twitter.com/WUUZtU0QlH

— Folk Alliance (@folkalliance) April 7, 2022

John also picked up a nomination in the Europe category of the Songlines Music Awards 2022 – among a shortlist that includes Fanfare Ciocărlia, San Salvador and Spell Songs.

Now in its 14th year, the Songlines Music Awards showcases the musical talent from around the world – based on albums reviewed during past year, from March 2021 to February 2022. The winners will be announced in Songlines' June 2022 issue.

Congratulations to the nominees in the Europe category of the Songlines Music Awards 2022...

☆ Fanfare Ciocărlia
☆ John Francis Flynn
☆ San Salvador
☆ Spell Songs

Discover more and listen to their nominated albums at https://t.co/TpPdl4C2wu #SMA22 pic.twitter.com/s6OXdnkfDw

— Songlines Magazine (@SonglinesMag) April 7, 2022

He took to Instagram to respond to the news:

"This is pretty cool and mad," he wrote. "I'm honoured to be considered alongside these heads."

The nominations follow major wins for John at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards in November – where he brought home the awards for Best Emerging Artist and Best Folk Singer.

Revisit our 2021 interview with the Dublin singer here.

John Francis Flynn plays Vicar Street, Dublin on May 1, with tickets available now.