The recipients of Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 have been officially unveiled at a special event held at Iveagh House, marking another milestone in the celebration of Ireland’s rich traditional music heritage.
Now in its 28th year, Gradam Ceoil TG4 continues to honour the absolute best in performance and cultural impact across seven categories. The announcement is a key moment in the traditional music calendar, not only recognising the exceptional achievements of the awardees but also celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of the tradition. These honourees exemplify the dedication and innovation that ensure traditional Irish music flourishes for future generations.
The selection process is carried out by an independent panel of previous awardees and leading figures in the traditional music community. Gradam Ceoil TG4 not only acknowledges artistic excellence but also amplifies the success of the recipients by bringing their music, song, and dance to global audiences through TG4’s extensive broadcasting platforms.
This year, the awards’ global reach is further amplified by collaboration with Ireland at Expo 2025. Gradam Ceoil TG4 and its 2025 honourees will feature in Ireland’s programming at the upcoming World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 recipients are:
Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 / Musician – Siobhán Peoples
Amhránaí TG4 2025 / Singer – Cathy Jordan
Gradam Saoil TG4 2025 / Lifetime Achievement – Matt Cranitch
Grúpa Ceoil TG4 2025 / Music Group – Flook
Ceoltóir Óg TG4 2025 / Young Musician– Colm Broderick
Cumadóir TG4 2025 / Composer– Johnny Óg Connolly
Gradam Comaoine TG4 2025 / Outstanding Contribution – Áine Hensey
Siobhán Peoples, a distinguished Irish fiddler from Ennis, County Clare, has been immersed in traditional music since the age of 11. Her musical heritage is a blend of Donegal and Clare influences; her father, Tommy Peoples, was a renowned fiddle player from Donegal, and her grandmother, Kitty Linnane, was the pianist with the original Kilfenora Céilí Band in Clare.
Siobhán has been a dedicated tutor at the University of Limerick for over two decades and enjoys teaching throughout Ireland and Europe. Her commitment to education has inspired many musicians locally, nationally, and internationally.
Beyond teaching, Siobhán has made significant contributions to the traditional music community in Ennis, County Clare. She played a pivotal role in revitalising the Ennis Trad Festival, serving on its committee for many years.
In recognition of her contributions, Siobhán was honoured with the MÓRglór award in 2023, celebrating her tireless efforts in promoting Irish traditional music and her role as an ambassador for the traditional arts in Clare.
Áine Hensey is a native of Dublin, though she has been based in west Clare since the 1980s. She developed a deep appreciation for Irish music from an early age, leading to a distinguished career in broadcasting and arts administration. Áine’s broadcasting journey began in 1979 with RTÉ Radio 2, followed by periods working with Radio 1 and Clare FM.
She joined Raidió na Gaeltachta in 1995, where she produced and presented numerous music programmes, most recently Binneas Béil and An Ghealach Ghorm. For many years she was a popular figure as producer and presenter of live broadcasts from events such as Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy and Oireachtas na Samhna. Beyond broadcasting, Áine has been deeply involved in arts administration, playing significant roles in festivals such as Slógadh and Éigse Mrs Crotty. She is currently co-director of Consairtín, the national concertina convention. She has been a tireless advocate for the Irish language and the promotion of traditional music on radio and at public events.
She has served as cathaoirleach of Gael-Linn, and is currently chairperson of the Irish Traditional Music Archive. In addition to her broadcasting and administrative work, Áine earned a PhD in early modern history from Maynooth University in 2012. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to Irish music and culture, Áine is awarded Gradam Comaoine TG4 in 2025. Her impact on traditional music, both on the airwaves and within cultural organisations, has been profound, ensuring the vibrancy and continuity of Ireland’s musical heritage for future generations.
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 concert and award ceremony will take place at the University Concert Hall, Limerick, on Sunday, 4 May. This highly anticipated event will be broadcast live on TG4 and worldwide via the TG4 Player, offering audiences the chance to experience an unforgettable night of music, celebration, and entertainment. The honourees will be joined by an array of special musical guests and presenters for this prestigious occasion. Link to Gradam Ceoil 2025 tickets here.
Speaking today on the announcement of the recipients, the Tánaiste said: uch.ie/gradam-ceoil“Ireland’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka provides us with an exciting opportunity to showcase the best of Ireland to an international audience, and this includes celebrating our vibrant musical heritage. I congratulate the recipients of Gradam Ceoil 2025 who encapsulate the richness and depth of Irish traditional music, and I look forward to seeing their talents taking centre stage as part of our cultural programme at Expo 2025”.
Speaking at the event, Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, Commissioner Editor of Gradam Ceoil TG4 stated that “we are proud to be able to honour such excellence through Gradam and celebrate with artists who are shaping the future of our music, song and dance. Year on year, TG4 strives to expand the reach of our music through worldwide broadcasts. This year’s collaboration with Expo ensures a further expansion of this reach in Asia and throughout the world. Comhghairdeas ó chroí agus go mairfidh sibh bhur ngradaim”
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 awards have long been regarded as the premier accolades in traditional music, and this year’s recipients reflect the depth of talent and commitment within the Irish music community. Their influence ensures that the tradition continues to evolve and thrive in a way that honours its past while looking towards the future.
Gradam Ceoil TG4’s involvement in Ireland’s programming for Expo 2025 Osaka creates a special opportunity for the promotion of traditional Irish music to Japanese and international audiences. World Expos play an important role in bringing the world together at regular intervals. The event will run from April to October 2025 and is expected to attract 28 million visitors.
Ireland’s participation at Expo follows a whole-of-government approach, with collaboration across Government Departments, state agencies, bodies and national cultural institutions, coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
More information on Ireland’s presence at Expo 2025 including cultural programming is available on www.ireland.ie/expo.
