Pauline Scanlon.THE recipients of Gradam Ceoil TG4 2026 have been officially announced and a Kerry woman is among the seven recipients.
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.
Pauline Scanlon from West Kerry will receive the Amhránaí TG4 2026 / Singer award.
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Pauline Scanlon is one of Ireland’s most distinctive voices. A West Kerry native, her singing carries the weight of old songs while speaking powerfully to the present day.
A founding member of FairPlé, Scanlon has been a strong advocate for women in the arts, a commitment that runs through her work and activism.
Her album The Unquiet, produced by John Reynolds, reimagines traditional song through the lived experience of modern Irish women, inspired by the life of her late mother, Eileen Scanlon.
From her acclaimed debut Red Colour Sun to her work with LUMIERE, John Spillane, Dónal Lunny Damien Dempsey, Sinéad O’Connor and The Whileaways, Scanlon has built a career of remarkable collaborations and solo performances.
A presenter for TG4 and the BBC, she remains a vital, original force in Irish music.
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 2026 recipients are:
• Gradam Ceoil TG4 2026 / Musician – Cathal Hayden
• Amhránaí TG4 2026 / Singer – Pauline Scanlon
• Gradam Saoil TG4 2026 / Lifetime Achievement – Mickey Dunne
• Grúpa Ceoil TG4 2026 / Music Group – Cherish The Ladies
• Ceoltóir Óg TG4 2026 / Young Musician – Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta
• Cumadóir TG4 2026 / Composer – Niall Vallely
• Gradam Comaoine TG4 2026 / Outstanding Contribution – The Tulla Céilí Band
The awardees are selected by an independent panel of previous recipients and leading figures from the traditional music community.
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 2026 concert and awards ceremony will take place at the University Concert Hall, Limerick on Sunday, 13 September 2026.
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.
For tickets see here: https://uch.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173674501
