University of Limerick recognised at Gradam Ceoil TG4 Awards
Members of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, community have been recognised at this year's Gradam Ceoil TG4 Awards, Ireland's premier accolade for traditional Irish music.
Mickey Dunne has been named recipient of the Gradam Saoil (Lifetime Achievement Award) in recognition of his contribution to Irish traditional music as a musician, teacher, composer, and uilleann pipes maker.
Deeply connected to the Traveller piping tradition, Mr Dunne has spent decades passing on his craft to new generations of musicians.
He has contributed greatly to the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in traditional music at UL, providing teaching, guidance, and support to countless pipers since the inception of the Academy 30 years ago.
He is also a previous recipient of the University of Limerick President's Medal.
Graduates Caoimhe Ní Fhlatharta (BA in Irish Music) and her brother Séamus Uí Fhlatharta (BA in Applied Languages) have jointly received the Ceoltóir Óg TG4 (Young Musician Award).
Hailing from An Áird Mhóir in the Conamara Gaeltacht, the siblings are known for their distinctive arrangements of sean-nós songs.
Speaking on the awards, Professor Helen Phelan, Director of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, said: “The Gradam Ceoil TG4 Awards represent the highest level of recognition within the traditional music community. We are very proud to see our excellent students and tutors among those receiving these prestigious awards."
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 Awards, now in their 29th year, honour outstanding individuals and groups across the Irish traditional music and dance community, with winners selected by public nomination and expert adjudication.
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 2026 concert and awards ceremony will take place at the University Concert Hall, Limerick, on Sunday 13 September.
