CONGRATULATIONS to Limerick singer / songwriter Emma Langford who was a winner in the inaugural RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards at Vicar Street, Dublin last week.
Emma received well deserved recognition for her debut album ‘Quiet Giant’ and extensive touring in Ireland and Europe. She picked up the gong for Best Emerging Folk Artist.
Other winners on the night were Declan O’Rourke for his track ‘Along the Western Seaboard’ and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh for her trad tune ‘Bean Dubh A’ Ghleanna’.
Martin Hayes, Lankum and We Banjo 3 were recognised while Andy Irvine picked the Lifetime Achievement Award
The awards were broadcast on RTE Radio 1, presented by Ruth Smith and John Creedon with musical performances from Saint Sister, Lankum, Andy Irvine, Christy Moore and Iarla O’Lionard.
Emma was taken by surprise by the award. “I can not believe I won,” she reported. And she thanked the “deadly people of Limerick who’ve been ridiculously kind and supportive.”
After the RTE Folk Awards, Emma went on to play on Ray D’arcy’s Radio Show and made the trek to Dingle for their folk festival, playing a set in St James’ Church (made famous by ‘Other Voices’) before being on hand to launch Paddy Brennan’s new book on ‘The History of Limerick Music’ on Monday night here in Limerick.
