The secret is out as Muireann wins RTE folk award
IT’S hard to say whether Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh was more surprised at winning the award for Best Traditional Folk Track at the RTE Radio Folk Awards last Thursday or at Pauline Scanlon’s ability to keep a secret.
At the awards ceremony in Vicar Street, Dublin, Muireann won the award for her recording of ‘Bean Dubh a’ Ghleanna’ – a track on her latest album Foxgloves and Fuchsia. The award was presented to her by her friend and fellow singer Pauline Scanlon from Dingle.
The West Kerry lady’s voice has won critical acclaim and her latest album prompted Donal Lunny to comment: “I think she is singing more beautifully than ever. Mysterious perfection”. So maybe the award wasn’t entirely unexpected but Muireann was definitely surprised that Pauline managed to keep that secret to herself even though the pair spent the evening together.
On receiving the award from her good friend Pauline, Muireann said: “She never told me; we were talking all night and she never told me”.
In her acceptance speech Muireann gave credit to the many musicians who have worked with her, including Gerry O’Beirne, Dónal O’Connor and Donagh Hennessey. She also paid tribute to her husband Billy and her daughters. “We are always singing at home, which is what is important” she added.
Baile na bPoc’s Cormack O Beaglaíoch was also shortlisted for an award, but that category was won by Clare’s virtuoso fiddle player Martin Hayes.
At the awards, host John Creedon commented on the wellspring of musicians and singers stemming from West Kerry. “West Kerry has provided us with a remarkable number of really beautiful traditional singers, sean nós , English Irish, so many good singers it is beyond belief ” he said.
Clearly, the future is bright for music in West Kerry as another group of highly talented young musicians comes of age.