Clannad
DONEGAL band Clannad are to be presented with a lifetime achievement accolade at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, one of the world’s most glittering music prizes for the genre
The family act, who made their debut in 1973, said they were “absolutely honoured” to be recognised.
Folk singer Martin Carthy, who has been performing for 50 years and recorded more than 40 albums, will also be given a special award.
The awards, marking their 15th anniversary, will be held at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 19 February.
Clannad, which comprises siblings Moya, Ciaran and Pol Brennan and their twin uncles Noel and Padraig, shot to fame with their theme to TV drama Harry’s Game in 1982.
The Gaoth Dobhair family haven’t looked back since.
Their younger sister was recruited to the band in the late 1970s and went on to have an internationally successful career as solo star Enya.
“We are really looking forward to being part of the big night at the Royal Albert Hall,” added the band, who will also perform at the awards ceremony.
Their previous accolades include a Grammy for the best new age album in 1999, while they won a career achievement honour at the Ireland’s Meteor Awards in 2007.