Tommy Sands and late Dolores Keane honoured at RTÉ Irish Folk Awards

President Connolly attends event in Vicar Street

John Donohoe

Published: Wed 11 Nov 2026, 9:54 AM

Last updated: Wed 11 Nov 2026, 10:18 AM

The winners at the eighth RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards were announced last night in front of a live audience in Vicar Street, Dublin. Hosted by John Creedon and broadcast live on RTÉ Radio One, the awards celebrate the very best in Irish folk music. A television highlights programme will be broadcast on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Saturday 14th November.

The RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards Lifetime Achievement was presented by Bernadette Devlin McAliskey to one of Ireland’s most celebrated folk singers, songwriters, broadcasters and social activists, Tommy Sands.

Sands is one of Ireland’s most respected folk artists, whose remarkable career has spanned music, broadcasting, writing and peace-building. First gaining international acclaim with The Sands Family, he has brought Irish traditional music to audiences around the world, while his songs, recorded by artists including Joan Baez, Pete Seeger and The Dubliners, have earned worldwide recognition for their humanity, storytelling and message of understanding. Widely regarded as an important cultural voice during Northern Ireland’s peace process, Tommy’s work, including the iconic There Were Roses, has helped foster dialogue and reconciliation through music. Through decades of performance, education and community engagement, he has continued to champion the power of song to connect people across generations and cultures, making him a truly deserving recipient of this special honour.

Previous honourees include the late Dónal Lunny, Mary Black, Christy Moore and the late Moya Brennan.

President Connolly honours the late Dolores Keane.

The late Dolores Keane was formally inducted into the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards Hall of Fame by President Catherine Connolly at the awards event. Keane, who passed away in March this year, was one of the defining voices of Irish folk and traditional music, celebrated for her rich, expressive singing and her lifelong commitment to preserving Ireland’s musical heritage. In inducting Dolores Keane into the Hall of Fame, the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards celebrates her legacy as a great ambassador and guardian of Ireland’s sacred folk and traditional music traditions.

In what was a very special night celebrating Irish folk music, the awards featured live performances from outstanding musicians, including Beoga, The Unthanks, Declan O’Rourke, Jillian O’Malley, Joshua Burnside, Hammy Hamilton and the Ora Quartet, Kris Drever with Noriana Kennedy, Nicola Joyce and Pauline Scanlon, Edwina Guckian and more.