RTÉ Radio 1 has today announced the shortlist for the upcoming Folk Awards taking place in Vicar Street on October 24th. The shortlist was announced live on Shay Byrne’s radio show Rising Time this morning.

RTÉ has also revealed that Irish folk legend, Moya Brennan, is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award on the night.

Celebrating the second year of the dedicated folk awards to be held in Ireland, categories include Best Original Folk Track, Best Original Folk Track, Best Emerging Folk Act, Best Folk Instrumentalist, Best Traditional Folk Track, Best Folk Singer and Best Folk Group with a new category added this year for Best Folk Album.

John Creedon and Ruth Smith will once again present the awards ceremony, as RTÉ celebrates the significant contribution these musicians and bands have made to Irish culture. Many of those nominated will perform on the night.

Ann-Marie Power Head of Arts and Culture has said this morning, “Moya Brennan has spent a lifetime contributing to Irish folk music and bringing it from her home place in Donegal, to a global stage. Along with her family, she was an ambassador for Ireland abroad at a very interesting time in our political history. Throughout her career as a solo artist, she has drawn from the well of history and home while also not being afraid to take on a new challenge or direction. She is also admirably very committed to nurturing young talent with her monthly nights in Donegal. RTÉ is delighted to honour her for her contribution to the world of Irish folk music. “

Tickets are on sale via at ticketmaster.ie or from all Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

The RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards will also be broadcast live on RTÉ Radio 1 on the night from 8pm.

Highlights from the awards will be broadcast on RTÉ Television following the event. Broadcast details to be confirmed closer to date.

RTÉ RADIO 1 FOLK AWARDS SHORTLIST 2019

Best Traditional Folk Track
Bacach Shíol Andaí – Ye Vagabonds
The Factory Girl – Lisa O’Neill
The Foggy Dew – Ye Vagabonds
The Granemore Hare – Daoirí Farrell
Póirste Béil – Inni K

Best Original Folk Track
All Down the Day – Gerry O’Beirne
Áthas – The Gloaming
Blackbird – Lisa O’Neill
Down in the Glen – Karan Casey
The River Holds Its Breath – Colm Mac Con Iomaire
Rock the Machine – Lisa O’Neill

Best Emerging Folk Act
Anna Mieke
Alfi
Lemoncello
Junior Brother
Saint Sister

Best Folk Instrumentalist
Caoimhin O’Raghallaigh
Colm Mac Con Iomaire
Cormac Begley
Martin Hayes
Zoe Conway

Best Folk Singer
Daoiri Farrell
Iarla Ó’Lionáird
Lisa O’Neill
Radie Peat
Ríoghnach Connolly

Best Folk Album
A Lifetime of Happiness – Daoirí Farrell
Heard a Long Gone Song – Lisa O’Neill
The Hare’s Lament – Ye Vagabonds
The River Holds its Breath – Colm Mac Con Iomaire
Pull the Right Rope – Junior Brother
The Gloaming 3 – The Gloaming

Best Folk Group
Dervish
Flook
Saint Sister
The Gloaming
Ye Vagabonds