BBC award for folk musician Daoirí Farrell from Crumlin

A CRUMLIN electrician turned Irish trad musician scooped up two awards at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards last week, after a storming performance on the Royal Albert Hall stage.

Daoirí Farrell, who worked as an electrician for a number of years before going to college to study music, was nominated for three awards at the prestigious ceremony.

The Irish traditional musician, who sings and plays bouzouki, won the Horizon award, which recognises exceptional new talent, and the award for Best Traditional Track for his song ‘Van Diemen’s Land’.

“It was fantastic, it’s an amazing place,” Daoirí told The Echo, describing the awards ceremony in the Royal Albert Hall in London.

“I always remember The Dubliners playing there, and I always said I’d love to be there watching a show.

“I never thought I’d be performing there, so it’s a massive achievement.

“I feel so humbled and honoured.”

Daoirí released his second album ‘True Born Irish Man’ late last year, and has a busy run of gigs in the UK and Australia in the coming weeks.

Reflecting on his experience as a musician so far, Daoirí said: “It’s been enjoyable on the way up.

“If it’s a crowd of six or 6,000 I’m playing to, when I’m singing I close my eyes and I’m transported to a different place.”

You can find out more about Daoirí’s music online, at daoiri.com