TG4 viewers blown away by Dolores Keane's 'magical' performance of Caledonia

The Galway-born folk singer scooped up a Lifetime Achievement award at the annual event, which is known as “the Oscars of traditional music".

The 68-year-old began her professional singing career in 1975 with Dé Danann and is one of the most “distinctive, soulful, and sweet voices” to come out of Ireland.

As well as receiving a gong, Dolores also took to the stage at the National Concert Hall in Dublin with her band, where she performed a “powerful” rendition of Caledonia.

TG4 viewers took to Twitter to gush over the wonderful performance and pay tribute to the legendary musician.

One person wrote: “More beautiful as ever with a voice made in heaven. We are so blessed to have the divine Dolores Keane with us. #Gradam25”

Another said: “Magical & emotional performance by Dolores Keane last night at @TG4TV #Gradam25 awards - definitely not a dry eye in the house️. Well done @TG4TV, all other recipients & fab musicians - brilliant night.”

A third chimed in: “Fabulous from Dolores Keane. The greatest singer Ireland has ever produced. Great to see her on a stage again #Gradam25”

And another wrote: “Have the song countless times, sang by countless singers, but to hear Dolores Keane singing it is like hearing it for the first time all over again! #gradam #caladonia”

Other awards on the night included Ceoltóir award, which was awarded to legendary fiddler Paddy Glackin, with Connemara sean-nós singer Sarah Ghriallais taking home this year’s Singer 2022.

Fiddler and composer Connie O’Connell was awarded Composer 2022 and Cork Diarmuid Ó Meachair was named the Young Musician of the year 2022.

TG4 Commissioning Editor, Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, said ahead of the event: “I am delighted that TG4 can keep celebrating the very best of traditional music and song each year.

“We are honoured to witness such an array of spectacular performances on the Gradam stage and on the many stages and locations of our traditional music programming throughout the year.

“Gradam comes to Dublin for the first time to celebrate a milestone of 25 years. Comhghairdeas le na faighteoirí uilig. Is sibh croí agus anam na tíre seo.”