Meath musicians honoured at Gradam Ceoil Awards
Two Meath artists are being honoured tonight at the Gradam Ceoil TG4 2019 Awards at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Catherine McEvoy, based in Ratoath, will receive the overall ‘Musician of the Year’ award, whilst Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, born in Kells, will receive the ‘Musical Collaboration/Composition’ award.
Born in Meath to a renowned singing family originally from the Donegal Gaeltacht, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill is a singer, musician composer and collaborator in some of the most influential groups in Irish traditional music. She is, is without question one of the most important and central figures in the development of the genre since the late sixties. Though raised in Kells, Tríona’s roots very much remain within the singing tradition of her parents’ birthplace, Rann Na Feirste, in North West Donegal.
Catherine McEvoy, born to Irish parents in Birmingham but now living in Ratoath, is being honoured with the overall ‘Musician of the Year Award’, recognising her work as an exceptional and influential musician, teacher and advocate for traditional music. She stands out as one of the finest exponents of the North Connacht tradition of flute playing and her work has inspired numerous musicians and listeners.
Legendary traditional Irish band, Four Men & A Dog, who formed in Belfast in the nineties and rose to popularity across the globe with their eclectic and vivacious blend of trad, fused with a wide spectrum of other genres including, rap, rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, polka, country swing, and even salsa, headline the bill. All-Ireland céili band champions, The Thatch Céili Band, pivotal members of the Irish diaspora in London, also perform.
The live awards show, hosted by TG4 presenter, Doireann Glackin and Belfast-based musician, Dónal O’Connor of well-known band, Ulaid, features live performances from the six Gradam Ceoil 2019 recipients, who will be recognised for their talent and contribution to traditional Irish music.
Further TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2019 recipients include: Young Musician of the Year, Conor Connolly; Lifetime Achievement, Nicky & Anne McAuliffe; Singer of the Year, Thomas McCarthy; and Outstanding Contribution, Brendan Mulkere.
2019 Gradam recipients, who represent the crème de la crème of traditional music and song, are joined in live performances on stage by their own special musical guests, including Irish fiddler Paddy Glackin, Michael McCague and multi-instrumentalist Sinéad Egan. Catherine McEvoy is accompanied by her brothers Paddy and John, husband Tom McGorman and children Fergus, Jane and Ruarí McGorman; whilst Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill is joined by her sister, Maighréad Ní Dhomnhnaill, and fellow members of The Bothy Band, Donal Lunny and Paddy Glackin.