The High Kings were one of the big winners on Saturday night at this year’s Ireland’s Music Awards.  The band who have been lauded around the world as the next big traditional Irish act scooped both the ‘Best Folk Group’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ awards.

It was a good night in general for contemporary Irish traditional music with Enya, Sharon Shannon & Mundy, Celtic Woman and Cherish the Ladies all going home with a trophy.

We previously wrote about this new event and the significance of awarding artists who celebrate Irish music.  The night also featured performances from with the likes of the Kilfenora Céilí Band, Téada and Moving Hearts.

In all, it seems that the Ireland’s Music Awards’ attempts to showcase and celebrate a blend of both old and new Irish music was a success.

Where you there?  What do you think of such an awards ceremony?

Here is the complete winners list:

1) Best Overseas Act (USA/Canada)
Cherish the Ladies

2) Best Celtic Group
Celtic Woman

3) Best Instrumentalist
Mike Mc Goldrick

4) Best Female Vocalist
Enya

5) Recording of the Year
The Galway Girl feat. Sharon Shannon & Mundy

6) Best Irish Traditional Group
Sharon Shannon Band

7) Best Contemporary Act (with trad, folk or Celtic influence)
Saw Doctors

Best Overseas Act (Europe excluding Ireland)
Carlos Nunez

9) Best Young Irish Traditional Act
Teáda

10) Event of the Year
Milwaukee Irish Fest

11) Best Newcomer (act or performer)
The High Kings

12) Best Folk Group
The High Kings

1) Best Revival Act
Moving Hearts

2) Services to Industry Award
Ciarán Mc Mathúna

3) Best Composer
Brendan Graham

4) Best Male Vocalist
-Brian Kennedy

5) Best Crossover Act (performer or group)
-Frankie Gavin & Hibernian Rhapsody

6) Best Folk or Celtic Duo
Seamus Begley & Jim Murray

7) Hall of Fame Award
Kilfenora Céilí Band

Related posts:

1. Ireland’s Favourite Trad Artists To Be Chosen
2. The High Kings Are Leading A Revival | Donegal News
3. De Dannan to Headline The World Fleadh
4. Irish Music On The Porches
5. Awards