NCH Lifetime Achievement Award: Sharon Shannon

NCH Lifetime Achievement Award: Sharon Shannon

About the show

With Garry, Majella, Killian and Mary Shannon, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Mundy, Carlos Núñez, Susan O'Neill, the Sharon Shannon Band. 
Host John Kelly. 

In 2026, the National Concert Hall is delighted to award its Lifetime Achievement Award to the singular musician Sharon Shannon in recognition of her unique contribution to Irish music.

Reared steeped in the tradition music of County Clare, Sharon Shannon's extensive recordings are a landmark in Irish music. Over the years Sharon has collaborated with a who's who in music: The Waterboys, Sinéad O’Connor, Shane Mac Gowan, Christy Moore, Jackson Browne, John Prine, Steve Earle, Dessie O Halloran, Mundy, Imelda May, The Chieftains, The Hothouse Flowers, Willie Nelson, Nigel Kennedy, La Bottine Souriante, Denis Bovell, Linton Kwesi Johnson and lots more.

For this special evening Sharon is joined by her big band and a fantastic line up of guests, Susan O’Neill, Mundy and Liam O’Maolai, saxophonist Richie Buckley, Galician star Carlos Nunez. Coming from a family of musicians she is also joined by siblings Garry, Majella, and Mary, and nephew Killian Shannon. The host for the evening will be John Kelly.

Born into a traditional music household in the cultural heartland of County Clare, Sharon developed an accordion style inspired by surrounding local traditional musicians including fiddle masters Tony Linnane and Tommy Peoples.

Her collaborations span continents; across the USA with John Prine and Steve Earle, Canada with Natalie MacMaster, Japan with the Kodo drummers, and Malawi with the Umoza Children of Mzuzu. She has spent her musical life bringing the traditional music of Ireland to the world.

Sharon has performed for U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton (at the White House) and Barack Obama (in Dublin), as well as Irish Presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese on official visits. She accompanied President Mc Aleese on her state visit to Australia.President Michael D.Higgins has called her 'a national treasure'. She accompanied him on his state visit to China and performed at his inauguration in Dublin Castle.

Sharon's talents extend into the film industry, when her 'Galway Girl' collaboration track with Steve Earle featured in Hollywood production'PS I love you' featuring actors Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler. She appeared in a cameo role playing the accordion in 'Ondine' with Colin Farrell. She also toured with The Druid Theatre on a musical stage production of Brendan Beehan's 'The Hostage' directed by Jim Sheridan.

Sharon's career spans more than 30 years, with over 20 albums, innumerous TV and radio appearances, filmed concerts and musical collaborations. She has performed at countless prestigious venues all over the world, continually redefining the boundaries of Irish traditional music.

She holds an honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Galway and in 2026 received a Doctorate of Letters at Trinity College Dublin.

Sharon continues to tour and will release a brand new album in October 2026.

Presented by NCH

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