The Stage

Dubliners honoured at Meteor Music Awards

Published Tuesday 9 March 2004 at 09:55

Ireland’s most enduring group, The Dubliners, were presented with a lifetime achievement award at March 3’s annual Meteor Music Awards in the Irish capital.

Ronnie Drew and company, who have been in the business for over half a century, were honoured at a ceremony in the city’s Point Depot. Also on the winners’ rostrum were Dublin group The Frames, voted the best Irish band. Westlife took the honours for best pop act.

Some 5,000 fans attended the ceremony, hosted by Dara O’ Briain. Among the award winners in the international category were Beyonce and Justin Timberlake for best female and male singer, with The Darkness voted best group and the Slane Castle show last summer by Red Hot Chili Peppers chosen as best live performance.

On the local scene, Cara Dillon took the honours as best Irish female singer, with Paddy Casey best Irish male. Singer Sharon Corr presented a special humanitarian award, plus a 100,000 euro cheque for charity, to Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, in recognition of her work on behalf of the homeless.

Also honoured recently at a separate ceremony was veteran performer Christy Moore, who has become the inaugural recipient of an award from the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA) to mark his contribution to the industry. A video played at the ceremony contained tributes from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Van Morrison, Bono, Ronnie Drew and Michael Flatley.

Comedian Billy Connolly and the rock group Coldplay were among those who sent messages of congratulations to Moore, currently celebrating 40 years in the music business. After receiving the specially commissioned bronze sculpture - presented by U2 guitarist The Edge - the former Planxty and Moving Hearts performer played a short set for the 600 guests.