Northern Ireland Music Prize 2026
Ulster Hall · Wednesday 11 November

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Philomena Begley to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at NI Music Prize 2026

The Queen of Irish Country Music to be honoured at the Ulster Hall, Belfast, on Wednesday 11 November

The NI Music Prize has announced that legendary country music singer Philomena Begley will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's ceremony, taking place at the Ulster Hall, Belfast, on Wednesday 11 November 2026.

Affectionately known as the Queen of Irish Country Music, the County Tyrone singer has enjoyed an remarkable career spanning more than six decades, becoming one of the most loved and influential voices in Irish Country music. From the dance halls and showband era of the 1960s to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, Philomena has entertained generations of audiences and helped establish Irish country music as a hugely popular and enduring part of our musical culture.

Born in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, Philomena began her career singing with the Old Cross Céilí Band, later known as Country Flavour, before going on to front the Ramblin' Men and establish herself as a solo artist. Her unmistakable voice and down-to-earth personality made her a household name, with hits including Blanket on the Ground, Here Today, Gone Tomorrow, Ramblin' Man and The Way Old Friends Do. Her hugely popular duets with Ray Lynam also became firm favourites with country music audiences.

Her success extended far beyond Ireland. Philomena performed at Nashville's legendary Grand Ole Opry, recorded at Porter Wagoner's Fireside Studios and shared stages with American country stars including Tammy Wynette, Billie Jo Spears, Don Williams and Charley Pride. She toured extensively throughout Ireland, Britain, Europe, America and Australia, earning numerous accolades along the way, including a European Gold Star Award and recognition as Top Female Vocalist at the British Country Music Association Awards.

While her contribution to Irish country and showband music is great, Philomena's influence has also reached far beyond the genre, inspiring musicians across generations.

The late Shane MacGowan was a lifelong admirer, famously referencing Philomena and Ray Lynam in The Pogues' classic A Pair of Brown Eyes. In 2019, he joined Philomena for a performance of Fairytale of New York on The Late Late Show, with his wife Victoria Mary Clarke later describing the opportunity to sing with Philomena as a dream come true for Shane.

More recently, acclaimed Irish artist CMAT has spoken openly of her admiration for Philomena, describing her as an idol and celebrating her distinctive contribution to Irish country music. It is a testament to Philomena's enduring influence that her music continues to resonate with a new generation of artists who are embracing and reimagining country and folk traditions.

Charlotte Dryden, CEO of the Oh Yeah Music Centre, organisers of the NI Music Prize, said:
“For more than sixty years, Philomena Begley has entertained fans of country music on this island. Her contribution is far reaching, not just in terms of her success and longevity, but in the genuine affection people have for her.
"What I particularly love is how her influence reaches across generations and genres. From Shane MacGowan to CMAT, Philomena has earned the admiration of artists who might seem worlds apart musically, but who recognise something special in her music and her authenticity.
She is also an important part of our musical heritage here in the north, and someone who helped pave the way for generations of performers, particularly women, in what was often a male-dominated industry. We are absolutely delighted to honour Philomena with this year's Lifetime Award and look forward to giving her the celebration she deserves at the Ulster Hall."

The presentation will take place at the 15th anniversary NI Music Prize, produced by the Oh Yeah Music Centre, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of Northern Ireland's music community across a wide range of genres.

The NI Music Prize takes place on Wednesday 11 November at the Ulster Hall as part of the Sound of Belfast festival, running from 5–15 November 2026.

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Neil Martin To Receive Outstanding Contribution to Music Award at NI Music Prize 2026

Renowned Belfast composer, cellist and uilleann piper to be honoured at the Ulster Hall, Belfast, on Wednesday 11 November

The NI Music Prize has announced that prominent Belfast composer, cellist and uilleann piper Neil Martin will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award at this year’s ceremony, taking place at the Ulster Hall, Belfast, on Wednesday 11 November 2026.

One of Belfast’s most versatile and influential musical figures, Neil has built an extraordinary career spanning traditional Irish music, classical composition, theatre, film and television. Known for bringing musical traditions together, his work has taken him from Belfast to some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.

Throughout his career, Neil has collaborated with an impressive range of artists including Christy Moore, Liam O’Flynn, Wynton Marsalis, Nicola Benedetti, Sam Shepard, The Chieftains, Mary Black, Bryn Terfel, Barry Douglas, Stephen Rea and Jean Butler. As a musician, composer, producer and arranger, he has contributed to more than 100 albums.

In 2014, Neil was invited by President Michael D. Higgins to arrange, conduct and perform music at the Royal Albert Hall to mark the historic first state visit by an Irish President to Britain. His collaboration with dancer and choreographer Jean Butler on this is an Irish dance premiered in New York in 2015, while his work with the West Ocean String Quartet has received international recognition, with the quartet’s recordings even played aboard the International Space Station.

His extensive catalogue of original compositions includes the choral symphony OSSA, no tongue can tell, a concerto for uilleann pipes written for Liam O’Flynn, Sweeney, an orchestral work inspired by Seamus Heaney’s writing and dall’ombra, a violin concerto in which his daughter, Maebh, was soloist. His work for screen includes the award-winning score for Lost Lives, while his theatre compositions have featured in productions on Broadway, in Europe and in London’s West End. Neil Martin: Bóthar an Cheoil, a feature-length documentary on his life and work was first broadcast on BBC and TG4 in 2025.

Neil continues to make an important contribution to Belfast’s music community, including his involvement with Belfast TradFest and, more recently, the All-Ireland Fleadh in August 2026. During the Fleadh, he directed Connections, a multicultural collaboration with ArtsEkta, and co-presented Ebb and Flow, a special Ulster Hall concert broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster. He also hosts Folk Club, a weekly two-hour programme on BBC Radio Ulster.

Alongside his creative achievements, Neil has been a committed supporter of music education, sharing his experience with emerging musicians through workshops, mentoring and programmes including Music Generation.

Neil Martin said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award and feel that I share it with so many of the great artists who have had such a bearing across my life. I know how lucky I am to have been in their orbit.”
Charlotte Dryden, CEO of the Oh Yeah Music Centre, organisers of the NI Music Prize, said:
“Neil Martin is an exceptional musician and composer whose contribution to music deserves to be celebrated. His ability to move so naturally between musical worlds, from traditional Irish music to classical composition, theatre and contemporary collaborations, is remarkable.
What makes Neil particularly special is not just the extraordinary body of work he has created, but the way he brings people, traditions and ideas together. His influence reaches far beyond his own performances and compositions, and his work has helped connect music from this part of the world with audiences internationally.
At a time when Belfast has been celebrating its rich traditional music heritage, it’s wonderful to recognise someone whose career reflects both that heritage and the endless possibilities of music. We are absolutely delighted to honour Neil with this award.”

The Outstanding Contribution to Music Award recognises individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on music and the wider music community.

This year’s NI Music Prize marks the 15th anniversary of the awards, which have grown to become one of the most significant celebrations of Northern Irish music. Produced by the Oh Yeah Music Centre, the annual event brings together artists, musicians and industry professionals to celebrate the breadth and diversity of music being created here.