Daniel to host Irish Country Music Awards

The stars of Irish country music will gather for the inaugural RTÉ Irish Country Music Awards, in association with the Irish Farmers Journal, on Friday 24 June, live from RTÉ studios. Daniel O’Donnell will host and perform at the star-studded event.

This live ninety minute broadcast on RTÉ One is organised in partnership with the Irish Country Music Association (ICMA) -the body that represents the biggest names in country music –and promises to be one of the biggest ever celebrations of Irish country singers and performers to take place in this country.

Coming live from RTÉ studios, the awards will also feature special performances from some of Irish country music’s biggest acts including, Nathan Carter, Big Tom McBride, Derek Ryan, Michael English, Mike Denver, Lisa McHugh, Jimmy Buckley, Jim Devine and Philomena Begley.

Daniel O’ Donnell commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting the first ever RTÉ Irish Country Music Awards. It will undoubtedly be a great night of celebration for the stars for Irish country music and also importantly for all our loyal fans. I’m looking forward to gathering in RTÉ with the biggest names in the business to recognise the best of country music past and present.”

Awards up for grabs on the night include: Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Live Act of the Year, Video of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. Winners will be decided by an independent committee overseen by the ICMA.

The highly-coveted ICMA Entertainer of the Year will be one of two categories open to a public vote. The nominees are: Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Mike Denver and Jimmy Buckley. You can vote now on the Irish Farmers Journal website.

The nation will also have the chance to choose Ireland’s All Time Favourite Country Song, a category that reflects an array of hit tunes over the past years. The four nominations in this category are: Pretty Little Girl From Omagh, One Day At A Time Sweet Jesus, Four Country Roads and Wagon Wheel. You can vote here.

The pioneers of the Irish country music scene will also be honoured at the ceremony through the RTÉ ICMA Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement awards.

There will be 13 awards given out on the night and 10 live performances. The awards will be presented by some of Ireland’s best known personalities.

Head of Comedy, Talent Development and Music for RTÉ television Eddie Doyle said: “I’m delighted to be announcing the inaugural RTÉ Irish Country Music Awards on RTÉ One in partnership with the Irish County Music Association. It’s an opportunity not only for a great show but also to recognise some of the country’s greatest acts for their achievements in music. This live televised event will be an exciting night of one-off performances and unique musical collaborations in a music genre that is enjoying a huge revival.”

Mairead Lavery, Irish Farmers Journal said: “The Irish Farmers Journal is delighted to be the sponsor of the RTÉ Irish Country Music Awards. These awards are a welcome recognition of how popular country music has become with all ages and right across the country. It’s going to be an exciting few weeks and we want country music fans to get voting for their all-time favourite country song and artist of the year.”