Search

Iarla Ó Lionáird & Ríoghnach Connolly awarded Folk Singer of the Year titles

Real World Records would like to extend a congratulations to both Ríoghnach Connolly of The Breath and Iarla Ó Lionáird of The Gloaming, both of whom have been award the title of Folk Singer of the Year in separate awards ceremonies.

Ríoghnach was announced as the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2019 Folk Singer of the Year on Wednesday 16 October at at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. Due to an illness, she was unable to attend the event, but the award was received on her behalf by fellow band member Stuart McCallum. The Breath had also been nominated in the Best Group category.

L-R: Ríoghnach Connolly on stage at a gig in Belfast earlier this year, Stuart McCallum receives a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award on Ríoghnach's behalf from Miranda Richardson, Iarla Ó Lionáird at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.

Iarla Ó Lionáird was subsequently awarded Best Folk Singer at Ireland’s RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards last Friday night at Vicar Street in Dublin, no doubt in recognition of his success as the vocalist in The Gloaming, who released their third self-titled album in March, and who were also nominated in the Best Album, Best Band, and Best Original Track categories.

Featured releases

  •

    Let The Cards Fall

    The Breath

    Released 13 September 2018

    A bewitching collection of songs that journeys from lush, beguiling storytelling to uplifting, punch-the-air anthems. Allowed to mature and breathe without losing the widescreen, multi-textured kaleidoscope of sound that marked their debut, Let the Cards Fall refines The Breath's unique Manchester take on alt-folk.

  • The Gloaming 3

    The Gloaming

    Released 22 February 2019

    World renowned Irish American supergroup The Gloaming return with their highly anticipated third album. Produced by Thomas Bartlett, the album was recorded in New York City at Reservoir Studios. Like its predecessors, it richly reimagines the vernacular of traditional Irish music through a modern prism via elements of post-rock, jazz, contemporary classical, chamber and minimalism.

By Online Editor

Main image: Iarla Ó Lionáird performs with The Gloaming at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, March 2018. Photo credit: York Tillyer.

Published on Mon, 28 October 19

Further reading

The Almighty Groove offers Colombian rhythms and African roots on debut EP Frère d’Afrique

The Almighty Groove is the new production imprint of long-time musical adventurer, John Hollis.

Fri, 15 November 24

Bab L’ Bluz KEXP Session

During their North American tour in July 2024, Bab L' Bluz visited the studios of KEXP in Seattle to...

Fri, 25 October 24

10 years of resistance: Les Amazones d’Afrique’s fight continues on Musow Danse

Righteous anger has never felt so warm and convincing. Or so goddam danceable.

Thu, 15 February 24

Track of the day: ‘IWAIWA FUNK’ by Bab L’ Bluz

French-Moroccan power quartet Bab L' Bluz, release the third track from their album Swaken.

Fri, 05 April 24