TG4 GRADAM CEOIL TRADITIONAL MUSIC BURSARY 2025

We’re very proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Gradam Ceoil TG4 Traditional Music Bursary, a scheme funded by Belfast City Council and administered by The Duncairn.  Now in its fourth year, the bursary honours excellence in traditional music and will support the artistic journeys of three exceptional young musicians: Erin Rose Ní Mhaolain, Jude Scott, and Oisín Murphy.

Táimid fíor bhródúil an nuacht a roinnt libh faoi buaiteoirí an Scéim Sparántachta Ghradam Ceoil TG4 de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach Bhéal Feirste i mbliana. Anois sa cheathrú bhliain, is ceiliúradh ard chaighdeáin ceol traidisiúnta na cathrach atá inti a tabharfaidh tacaíocht do thriúir ceoltóir den scoth: Erin Rose Ní Mhaolain, Jude Scott, agus Oisín Murphy.

Erin Rose Ní Mhaolain is a 19-year-old multi-instrumentalist from Belfast, who plays fiddle, banjo, and accordion, and is a fluent Irish speaker. She is currently studying Irish with Music at Ulster University. Known for her performances at Belfast Tradfest, Féile an Phobail, and Electric Picnic, Erin also teaches traditional music in primary schools across Belfast and regularly hosts music sessions throughout Ireland.

A flute player and Music and Audio Production student at Queen’s University Belfast, Jude Scott is a rising figure in the local traditional music scene. Drawing inspiration from Belfast flute legends such as Harry Bradley and Desi Wilkinson, he performs regularly at Madden’s Bar, Seaton’s of Sailortown, and with his band Dall. Jude is also committed to researching and promoting Belfast’s unique flute-playing tradition.

Oisín Murphy – From Emyvale, Co. Monaghan and now based in Belfast, Oisín is an accomplished banjo and mandolin player and a fluent Irish speaker. A graduate of Ulster University, he has toured extensively across Ireland, Europe, the USA, Ethiopia, and the UAE. Oisín is a familiar face in Belfast’s traditional and folk music sessions and is deeply influenced by the rich musical traditions of the Monaghan-Tyrone-Fermanagh border region.

Each recipient receives £3,000 towards their career development, along with mentorship and performance opportunities through The Duncairn and its cultural partners. The initiative forms part of Belfast’s celebration of its designation as a UNESCO City of Music — the only one on the island of Ireland — and reflects the city's ongoing investment in its vibrant traditional music community.

Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, praised the initiative:

“We’re thrilled to support the Gradam Ceoil bursaries once again and extend a huge comhghairdeas to this year’s winners – Erin, Jude, and Oisín. This vital initiative nurtures our talented young musicians’ creativity and cultural expression, while fostering the growth of our city’s traditional music scene. As the only UNESCO City of Music on the island of Ireland, we take great pride in our rich musical heritage, and we’re delighted to be hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. The Gradam Ceoil bursary scheme is playing a key role in celebrating and advancing traditional music and song, whilst offering artists new opportunities and crucial support on their musical journeys.”

Next year marks the final year of the Gradam Ceoil TG4 Traditional Music Bursary. Applications for the 2026 awards will open in February 2026 through our website. Aspiring young traditional musicians are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to develop their careers with financial, creative, and professional support.