London resident Brian Rooney has been declared the musician of the year in the TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2012 (Traditional Music Awards). Born and reared near Kiltyclogher in north-Leitrim, Rooney has been playing fiddle in the London traditional music scene since the 1970s. His recordings include the solo albums The Godfather (1999) and Leitrim to London (2003) and the more recent At Complete Ease with John Carty (2011).

The other winners are:

•         Ceoltóir Óg  (Young Musician) –  Caoimhín Ó Fearghail
•         Gradam Saoil  (Lifetime Achievement) –  Danny Meehan
•         Cumadóir  (Composer) –  Paddy O’Brien
•         Amhránaí  (Singer) – Nell Ní Chróinín
•         Gradam Aitheantais (Special Contribution) – Eithne and Brian Vallely

Recipients are presented with a specially commissioned piece by sculptor John Coll and a financial reward. This year’s awards will be presented at the Gradam Ceoil Concert in the University of Limerick Concert Hall, Limerick on Saturday, 24 March, hosted by Aoife Ní Thuairisg and Páidí Ó Lionáird. The event will be recorded for broadcast on TG4 on Easter Sunday, 8 April. Tickets can be obtained by telephone from 061 331549 or on www.uch.ie