Connemara man Johnny Óg Connolly has been named Composer of the Year for the Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025.
The recipients of Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 have been officially unveiled at a special event held at Iveagh House, marking another milestone in the celebration of Ireland’s rich traditional music heritage.
Now in its 28th year, Gradam Ceoil TG4 continues to honour the absolute best in performance and cultural impact across seven categories.
The announcement is a key moment in the traditional music calendar, not only recognising the exceptional achievements of the awardees but also celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of the tradition.
These honourees exemplify the dedication and innovation that ensure traditional Irish music flourishes for future generations.
From Conamara, Johnny Óg Connolly is a distinguished accordion player and composer, celebrated for his contributions to Irish Traditional Music.
Following in the footsteps of his father, the renowned melodeon player Johnny Connolly, Johnny Óg has carved out his own legacy within the tradition.
Johnny Óg is known for his expressive playing style, which blends traditional Conamara elements with a modern sensibility.
Among his solo recordings, which include many of his compositions, are Aisling Yoshua (2011, Best Trad Album, Irish Times), Siar (2016), and Fear Inis Bearachain (2018). He has also recorded duet albums with Brian McGrath (Dreaming Up the Tunes, 1998) and the late Charlie Lennon (Dusk Till Dawn, 2005).
He has also composed two song cycles based on the poetry of Máirtín Ó Direáin—An tEarrach Thiar, featuring Liam Ó Maonlaí, and Fad Saoil (Joe Steve Ó Neachtain), which has also been recorded with Aisling Ní Neachtain and Cór Óige Chois Fharraige.
In 2022, he received a commission from Stiúideo Cuan (An Spidéal) to compose a suite of music. An Cosán Draíochta was the result, a work of music and song in memory of his father, the late Johnny Connolly.
His most recent work was a short suite entitled Ómós for Scoil Gheimhridh Joe Steve 2025. Johnny Óg would like to acknowledge the support of Ealaín na Gaeltachta and The Arts Council in helping to bring some of these projects to fruition.
The selection process for the Gradam Ceoil is carried out by an independent panel of previous awardees and leading figures in the traditional music community.
Gradam Ceoil TG4 not only acknowledges artistic excellence but also amplifies the success of the recipients by bringing their music, song, and dance to global audiences through TG4’s extensive broadcasting platforms.
This year, the awards’ global reach is further amplified by collaboration with Ireland at Expo 2025. Gradam Ceoil TG4 and its 2025 honourees will feature in Ireland’s programming at the upcoming World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 recipients are:
Cumadóir TG4 2025 / Composer– Johnny Óg Connolly
- Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 / Musician – Siobhán Peoples
- Amhránaí TG4 2025 / Singer – Cathy Jordan
- Gradam Saoil TG4 2025 / Lifetime Achievement – Matt Cranitch
- Grúpa Ceoil TG4 2025 / Music Group – Flook
- Ceoltóir Óg TG4 2025 / Young Musician– Colm Broderick
- Gradam Comaoine TG4 2025 / Outstanding Contribution – Áine Hensey
Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, Commissioner Editor of Gradam Ceoil TG4 stated that “we are proud to be able to honour such excellence through Gradam and celebrate with artists who are shaping the future of our music, song and dance.”
“Year on year, TG4 strives to expand the reach of our music through worldwide broadcasts. This year’s collaboration with Expo ensures a further expansion of this reach in Asia and throughout the world. Comhghairdeas ó chroí agus go mairfidh sibh bhur ngradaim”
The Gradam Ceoil TG4 2025 concert and award ceremony will take place at the University Concert Hall, Limerick, on Sunday, May 4.
This highly anticipated event will be broadcast live on TG4 and worldwide via the TG4 Player, offering audiences the chance to experience an unforgettable night of music, celebration, and entertainment.
The honourees will be joined by an array of special musical guests and presenters for this prestigious occasion.
