Gradam Ceoil TG4 honours the musical heroes of the modern age...

Since Tommy Peoples was presented with the first award, Gradam Ceoil has grown to be recognised as the premier awards scheme for musicians, singers, composers and bearers of the tradition.

The scheme was inaugurated in 1998, the brainchild of Mary McPartlan and an early signal from TG4 that traditional music was to form an essential and central element of its schedule.

Each year, an independent panel of selectors chooses six award-winners in the categories of: Young Musician; Singer; Hall of Fame; Composer; the Musicians' Award; and the main award of Traditional Musician of the Year.

Since 1998, the selectors have included Meaiti Joe Shéamuis Ó Fátharta, Fintan Vallely, Pat Ahern, Kevin Crawford, Ann Mulqueen, Áine Hensey, Cathal Goan, Breanndán Ó Beaglaíoch, Mary McPartlan, Robbie Hannan, Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, Muiris Ó Rócháin, Claire Keville, Liz Doherty, Mary Bergin and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh.

The awards are presented annually at a concert featuring recipients, their friends and families. The broadcast concert has become one of the most eagerly anticipated highlights of TG4's musical calendar.