We are delighted to share that concertina and Irish Traditional Ensemble tutor Dr. Niall Vallely has been awarded the Cumadóir/Composer award in the 2026 Gradam Ceoil TG4 traditional music awards.

Niall is a renowned composer and musician, and his playing has featured on more than 80 albums. He is a founding member of Nomos, and was UCC's Traditional Artist in Residence 2014-15.

The winners of this year's awards will be celebrated with a concert and ceremony at University Concert Hall in Limerick. The concert is on Sunday 13th September and will be broadcast on TG4.

Read more on the Journal of Music.

The Department of Music at UCC was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Desi Wilkinson. Desi was a gifted and acclaimed flute and whistle player, singer, educator, and academic.

FUAIM Music at UCC is delighted to announce the brand-new series of Friday Lunchtime concerts for Spring 2026, and excited to share the season’s line-up with you here. Starting this coming Friday 23 January in the Aula Maxima, we have an exciting and diverse array of artists lined up, including some returning favourites along with some series débuts by first time contributors to the series. As always, all performances begin at 1:10pm and are open to the public and free of charge.

University College Cork (UCC) and the Arts Council have announced fiddler Aoife Ní Bhriain as the 2026 Traditional Artist in Residence.

UCC is one of six universities to partner with the Arts Council on this flagship programme, which reflects the diversity and richness of Ireland’s creative landscape, with programmes spanning Traditional Arts, Digital Arts, Literature and Film.