By Róise Collins
LETTERKENNY musician Claire Kinsella, who is half of the folk duo Lemoncello, is “delighted” to have been nominated for two awards at the upcoming RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.
The Glencar native plays the cello and is accompanied by the mesmerising vocals of Laura Quirke from Carlow.
The pair has been nominated for the Best Folk Album, for their debut album Lemoncello (self-titled), as well as Best Original Folk Track, for their song Old Friend.
Speaking to the Donegal News following the announcement Claire said the nomination was a really big surprise.
“I came home from a run and I had loads of messages in my family group chat of them congratulating me, but I had no idea.
“My mum actually found out before me through her friend, which is just classic Donegal,” Claire laughed.
The duo first collaborated almost ten years ago when they met during a music class in university in Maynooth. Last May they released their long-awaited, debut album Lemoncello via the iconic Claddagh Records.
Claire said it was a real honour for the album to be recognised after all their hard-work.
“It’s just really amazing to be recognised among people we would consider big inspirations.”
“Good friends of ours are nominated as well, so we are just buzzing for everyone. It doesn’t really feel like we’re against anyone, it is just a celebration of all of this amazing work that came out last year,” she added.
Lemoncello are very busy, they are about to kick off their epic UK and Ireland tour supporting fellow folk artist Fionn Regan. Unfortunately, the girls are performing in London on the night of the awards on Wednesday, February 26, but Claire’s sister Méabh will be there to “wave the Donegal flag”.
Also representing the county at the prestigious awards is Donegal folk band Altan who have been nominated for the Best Folk Group.
Other Donegal artists in the nominations are Natalie Ní Chasaide and Donegal fiddle player Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill, their song Welcome Home, Gráinne has been put forward for Best Traditional Folk Track.
Meenlaragh woman Diane Cannon is also nominated for the Best Traditional Folk Track, for her song Bean an Fhir Ruaidh.
Bean an Fhir Ruaidh was introduced to Diane by sean-nós singer Brian Danny Minnie Ó Domhnaill. The song, which tells a tale of love, betrayal, and loss, was passed down by Musician Róise Rua from Árainn Mhór.
Róise, who was also known as Róise na nAmhrán, passed on a rich heritage of folk music and preserved many songs that would otherwise have been lost, but have now travelled far beyond her home county.
It is fitting that the west Donegal legend will also be inducted into the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards Hall of Fame on the night.
Georgina Dudgeon, a relative of Róise Rua who has been involved in promoting and celebrating her great-grand-aunt’s legacy, will be among the guests of honour at Vicar Street, to accept the award on her behalf.
