Clannad to receive recognition for the platform they give the Irish language

In Leo's Tavern today, Friday, Údarás na Gaeltachta will host an event to honour Clannad, the internationally renowned music group from the Donegal Gaeltacht, thanking the group for the emphasis they have placed on their native language and culture throughout their career.

Clannad were founded by Pádraig and Noel Ó Dúgáin with Pól, Ciarán and Máire Uí Bhraonáin i 1970 and have achieved worldwide renown since, winning numerous awards, including the Ivor Novello Award, a Grammy Award and a BAFTA.

To celebrate the impact Clannad have had on the awareness of the Irish language at home and abroad, Údarás na Gaeltachta is awarding a bursary worth €30,000 (€10,000 a year over three years) to assist a Gaeltacht artist in developing new work through the medium of Irish.

"Clannad brought the music, the songs and the Irish language to a global audience and many people around the world have been inspired to learn Irish as a result of the group's commitment to their language and culture," Údarás na Gaeltachta Chief Executive, Tomás Ó Síocháin, said. "They also gave their own Gaeltacht community a further reason to take pride in their own language and heritage. We all share that pride. Údarás na Gaeltachta are delighted to have the opportunity to express our gratitude to them today, and to support another Gaeltacht artist with this new bursary."