Donegal folk singer Moya Brennan will be honoured by President Michael D Higgins this Thursday when she receives a Lifetime Achievement Award from RTE.

The RTE Radio 1 Folk Awards will be recognising Moya’s lifelong contribution to Irish Folk at a ceremony in Vicar Street in Dublin.

President Michael D Higgins has this week confirmed that he will attend the Folk Awards to present the accolade to Moya.

Moya Brennan

As the lead singer of Clannad, Brennan has been a champion of traditional music for decades. She has been celebrated for her committment to sharing music from her home in West Donegal with the world, and for encouraging young artists.

Speaking ahead of the RTE Radio 1 Folk Awards, Ann-Marie Power, Head of Arts and Culture, said: “Moya Brennan has spent a lifetime contributing to Irish folk music and bringing it from her home place in Donegal, to a global stage. Along with her family, she was an ambassador for Ireland abroad at a very interesting time in our political history.

“Throughout her career as a solo artist, she has drawn from the well of history and home while also not being afraid to take on a new challenge or direction.

“She is also admirably very committed to nurturing young talent with her monthly nights in Donegal.

“RTÉ is delighted to honour her for her contribution to the world of Irish folk music.”