Gradam Ceoil TG4 Outstanding Contribution award for Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí

Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí were among the Gradam Ceoil TG4 2024 awards announced at the University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy.

Gradam Ceoil TG4, now in its 27th year continues to recognise and celebrate the absolute best in performance and cultural impact in seven categories.

Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí was formed in the early 1980s to help support and promote the art of fiddle playing in the Donegal tradition.

Led by musician/researcher/author Caoimhín MacAoidh and fiddle-maker, Rab Cherry, the organisation's core mission is to strengthen Donegal fiddle playing at its roots, and to improve standards, promote participation in all aspects of Donegal fiddle music and encourage the transmission of the Donegal styles and repertoire.

The organisation's main events include the annual Donegal Fiddlers' Summer School in Glencolmcille and the October Donegal Fiddlers' Meeting Glenties.

Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí has issued a substantial body of recordings by fiddle players, past and present, and shares a wealth of information about fiddle styles and associated history and folklore on its website, Donegal Fiddle Music Donegal Fiddle Music

This site also offers a suite of fiddle lessons by contemporary Donegal fiddlers as well as the unique Musical Landscape project, a cartography mapping fiddlers and their stories across the county.

Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí's monumental efforts in preserving local traditions and nurturing a vibrant musical community have left an indelible mark in Donegal and beyond. Its influence extends to every fiddle player in the county, from legendary figures like Tommy Peoples to contemporary icons like Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, and rising stars like Megan Nic Fhionnghaile. The diverse and dynamic crop of contemporary fiddle players across Donegal stands as a testament to the profound impact of this organisation’s contribution.

Cairdeas na bhFidléirí operates as a not-for-profit voluntary organisation and any income generated is invested directly into their events, programmes, publications, projects and support for living artists. Its mission is supported by An Chomhairle Ealaíon/The Arts Council who provide vital financial support for this work.

Gradam Ceoil TG4 2024 / Musician- Derek Hickey
Amhránaí TG4 2024 / Singer– Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin
Ceoltóir Óg TG4 2024 / Young Musician – Macdara Ó Faoláin
Gradam Saoil TG4 2024 / Lifetime Achievement – Jean Butler
Cumadóir Tg4 2024 / Composer – Ryan Molloy
Grúpa Ceoil TG4 2024 / Music Group – The Kane Sisters
Gradam Comaoine TG4 2024 / Outstanding Contribution – Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí

Established in 1998, Gradam Ceoil TG4 recognises not just the artistry of awardees but also strives to amplify the success of the recipients and make their music, song and dance available to global audiences through broadcasts on TG4’s platforms. The selection process for Gradam Ceoil TG4 recipients is undertaken by an independent panel, some of whom are past awardees and all of whom play or work within the tradition.

TG4 Commissioning Editor, Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, says, “ TG4 is delighted to be afforded this opportunity to recognise these stars that shine bright within our tradition. Gradam is a token of gratitude from us to the many performances who grace our traditional music programs week in, week out. We are delighted that we can help bring their music to global audiences through the live broadcast of Gradam Ceoil 2024 on TG4’s broadcast platforms. Comhghairdeas leis na faighteoirí uilig.”

This year’s Gradam Ceoil TG4 concert takes place at The University Concert Hall in Limerick on Sunday May 5. Broadcast live on TG4 and across the globe on the TG4 player, recipients will be joined by an array of musical guests and award presenters for a night of vibrant music, fun and entertainment.

The Gala concert and award ceremony will broadcast live on TG4 and TG4.ie from UCH on May 5, at 9:30pm.

The announcement of the annual awards is an important moment in the traditional music calendar not just to recognise the achievements of the seven awardees but also to celebrate the outstanding talent that our country has to offer. The awardees reflect the outstanding vibrancy, diversity and huge work being done to ensure that our tradition continues to evolve with such flair and will be handed down in the best of health.