Mayo musician honoured at RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards

A Mayo musician was honoured at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards in a celebration of the very best in folk music in Ireland from the past year.

The Best Folk Instrumentalist award was presented to Alannah Thornburgh, from Swinford.

Alannah was also a nominee in the Best Original Folk Track category for 'Chasing the Hare'.

The event, hosted by RTÉ presenter John Creedon in Vicar Street, saw Dónal Lunny being presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Christy Moore.

Earlier this month, instrumentalist and composer Alannah shared her debut solo album, Shapeshifter. To celebrate the album release, she will perform a special launch show at the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, on April 4.

With a focus on traditional Irish harp, Alannah's music explores her family heritage, reimagining melodies from the Irish harping and American folk and jazz traditions.