TG4 (Irish: TG Ceathair) is an Irish public service broadcaster for Irish-language speakers. The annual Gradam Ceoil TG4 is the premier traditional music awards when an independent panel of adjudicators selects recipients each year. The awards are not seen as a competition but a recognition for extraordinary and talented artists in Irish traditional music. Gradam Ceoil recipients receive a specially-commissioned piece by leading sculptor John Coll as well as a small stipend.
Singer, fiddle-player and broadcaster Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh from Gaoth Dobhair in the Donegal Gaeltacht heads the list of recipients of the 2017 Gradam Ceoil TG4. She is a founder member of the acclaimed Irish folk music band Altan. This year’s awards will be presented at the Gradam Ceoil TG4 Concert in the Cork Opera House on Sunday 19th February, which will televised live. The full list of TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2017 recipients are as follows:
Gradam Ceoil: Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh
Ceoltóir Óg (Young Musician): Liam O’Brien
Gradam Saoil (Hall of Fame): Dónal Lunny
Amhránaí na Bliana (Singer): Rita Gallagher
Comaoin (Special Contribution): Mick O’Connor
Cumadóir (Composer): Michael Rooney