National lifetime achievement award for Galway accordion supremo Sharon
Longtime Galway City resident Sharon Shannon will receive the National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 at a special gala concert in the Dublin venue on Sunday, November 29. This is in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to Irish music over more than three decades.
In that time, accordion player and composer Sharon, originally from County Clare, has redefined traditional music through collaborations spanning folk, classical, reggae and world music.
Hosted by John Kelly, the event will feature performances from Liam Ó Maonlaí, Mundy, Susan O'Neill, Carlos Núñez, members of the Shannon family and the Sharon Shannon Band, in what should be an extraordinary evening of music.
Sharon's family has had a long association with The Kilfenora Céilí Band and her brother Gary, a flute player, is a firm part of the current line-up. The Kilfenora and guests will return to the NCH on Wednesday, March 17, for a St Patrick's Day concert, with a programme of reels, jigs, hornpipes, polkas, slides and slow airs that celebrates the richness of the living tradition.
In between, there will be a Christmas Gala with the National Symphony Orchestra and Claudia Boyle on Thursday, December 17, at 3pm and 7.30pm, while A Christmas Celebration with the NSO, Cór na nÓg and Cór Linn will be held on Tuesday, December 22, at 7pm.
Earlier in the month, on Saturday, December 5, at 8pm, Mundy will celebrate two defining albums, Jelly Legs and 24 Star Hotel.
The following Friday, December 11, Hook in Concert will have its Irish premiere at 7.30pm.
Tickets for all concerts, including the Sharon Shannon celebration evening, are on sale at the NCH Box Office, phone 01 417 0000, or online at www.nch.ie.