It's rare you see the phrase "Northern Irish singer and actress", well, anywhere that isn't Northern Ireland. Hearing it in Hollywood is almost unheard of. Bronagh Gallagher broke this mould

In the unassuming basement of McHugh’s—many a Belfaster’s local pub—the usual program of trad Irish ensembles gave way last night night to the sweet strains of two Canadian folk acts

Andy Irvine is undoubtedly one of the most influential and pivotal Irish musicians of this (or any) generation and was a deserved winner of the 1st RTE Lifetime Achievement Award.