Two Carlow artists nominated in RTÉ’s 2025 folk awards

TWO musicians with Carlow connections have been shortlisted in this year’s RTÉ Radio 1 Irish Folk Awards.

Singer-songwriter Fiach Moriarty, who lives in Carlow town, has been nominated in the category of best folk track for his song I’m for Gallipoli, which features well-known singer Damien Dempsey.

Laura Quirke, a native of Borris, has been nominated along with her band mate Claire Kinsella as Lemoncello in two categories –in the best folk track but also in the best album category for their eponymous album.

The awards ceremony is taking place in Vicar Street, Dublin on Wednesday 26 February and will be broadcast live on RTÉ Radio 1.

For Fiach, it’ll be a doubly special night because he performed at the very first awards show in 2018.

His nominated song, I’m for Gallipoli, is about his grandfather Jack Kavanagh, who fought in Gallipoli in World War I.

Fiach recorded an album about Jack and his exploits during the war called The Liberties and launched it in Carlow last October in Club d’Art, Pembroke in Carlow town.

“I wrote I’m for Gallipoli as a call and response song and Damien Dempsey heard me singing it one night and really honed in on it. I asked him if he was interested in recording it with me and he said yes,” explained Fiach.

Fiach is originally from Dublin and moved to Carlow ten years ago with his wife Clara Hutchinson and the couple have two daughters, Saoirse and Annie. He was pleasantly surprised to be nominated for this year’s folk music awards and is looking forward to a good night out and a chance to catch up with fellow musicians and friends.

“It was a nice surprise to be nominated because you never expect these things. This isn’t the reason why we make music, but it’s great. I’ll be a great night no matter what the outcome is,” said Fiach.

There’s a limited number of tickets now on sale for the folk awards from ticketmaster.ie | #rtefolkawards