A pair of musical siblings from Connemara are among the recipients of Gradam Ceoil TG4 2026 announced this week Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, one of the landmark gatherings in the traditional music calendar.
Now in its 29th year, Gradam Ceoil TG4 is widely regarded as the highest honour in Irish traditional music, celebrating outstanding achievement, creativity and cultural impact across seven award categories.
This year’s recipients reflect the richness, breadth and continuing vitality of the tradition, from master musicians and singers to composers, young performers, ensembles and those who have made an exceptional contribution over many decades.
The awardees are selected by an independent panel of previous recipients and leading figures from the traditional music community.
Siblings Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta hail from An Áird Mhóir in the Connemara Gaeltacht. Born into a musical family, they have quickly become known for their sean-nós singing, close sibling harmonies and distinctive arrangements of songs in both Irish and English.
Their moving 2022 performance of the lament Anach Cuain captured hearts far beyond Ireland, going viral around the world and introducing their voices to a wide international audience.
Accomplished multi-instrumentalists and Irish dancers, Séamus and Caoimhe keep the Irish language, tradition and heritage at the centre of their work, while bringing a youthful energy and contemporary sensitivity to traditional song.
In 2023, they released their debut EP Séamus & Caoimhe, produced by Brian Whelan and Riverdance composer Bill Whelan, further showcasing the richness of their vocal blend and musical vision.
They were a huge hit at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 in Wexford, underlining their growing reputation as remarkable ambassadors for Irish song, language and culture.
Now travelling the world with their talent, Séamus and Caoimhe continue to bring the music and language of Connemara to new audiences. They were named Best Emerging Artists at the RTÉ Folk Awards 2024, confirming their place among the most exciting young performers in Irish music today.
Deirdre Ní Choistín, Director General of TG4, said, “For almost three decades, Gradam Ceoil TG4 has played a central role in recognizing excellence in Irish traditional music and in bringing that excellence to a national and international audience.”
“TG4 is proud to champion the artists, communities, and traditional styles that continue to enrich our lives and strengthen our sense of identity. I warmly congratulate all of the 2026 recipients and look forward to celebrating their achievements in Limerick on 13th September.”
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 2026 concert and awards ceremony will take place at the University Concert Hall, Limerick on Sunday, September 13.
The event will be broadcast live on TG4 and worldwide on the TG4 Player, with the recipients joined by special musical guests and presenters for an evening of music, celebration and entertainment.
