The Irish music scene celebrated its brightest talents at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize awards ceremony held Thursday night at Vicar Street in Dublin. CMAT emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home the coveted Irish Album of the Year award for her critically acclaimed album, EURO-COUNTRY. The rising star Amble also enjoyed a successful evening, securing both the Irish Song of the Year and Breakthrough Irish Artist of the Year awards.
CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, previously won the award in 2023, making her a two-time recipient of the prestigious prize. The announcement was made by Barry Devlin of the legendary Irish band Horslips, following deliberations by a panel of Irish music media professionals. The RTÉ Choice Music Prize recognizes outstanding achievement in Irish recorded music, and EURO-COUNTRY stood out from a shortlist of ten albums.
The recognition comes with a €10,000 prize, provided by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA), along with a specially commissioned award. CMAT also received the Irish Artist of the Year award, presented by Beta Da Silva of RTÉ 2FM, and performed live for the audience at Vicar Street. The event, hosted by Tracy Clifford of RTÉ 2FM, featured performances from six of the nominated artists.
Amble’s Double Win
Amble’s success wasn’t limited to just one award. The band’s song “Schoolyard Days” resonated with the public, earning them the Irish Song of the Year title. The winner was chosen by public vote through the RTÉ 2FM and Choice Music Prize websites. This public recognition underscored the song’s popularity and impact within the Irish music landscape.
Adding to their accolades, Amble was also named Breakthrough Irish Artist of the Year, with the award presented by DJ Próvai of KNEECAP. This award acknowledges the band’s rapid rise and significant contribution to the Irish music scene. The double win solidifies Amble’s position as one of the most promising new acts in Ireland.
A Night of Recognition for Irish Music Icons
The ceremony also honored established figures in Irish music history. Horslips, a pioneering band in the Irish music scene, were presented with the Classic Irish Album award for their 1973 LP, The Táin. Barry Devlin, Eamon Carr, and Jim Lockhart of Horslips accepted the award, recognizing the album’s enduring legacy and influence on generations of Irish musicians.
Louise Duffy of RTÉ Radio 1 welcomed the Horslips members to the stage, highlighting the importance of celebrating the roots of Irish music alongside contemporary achievements. The event served as a reminder of the rich history and vibrant future of the Irish music industry.
The 2025 RTÉ Choice Music Prize Shortlist
The competition for Album of the Year was fierce, with a diverse shortlist of talented artists. The nominees included:
- Amble – Reverie
- Bricknasty – Black’s Law
- Joshua Burnside – Teeth of Time
- CMAT – EURO-COUNTRY
- Dove Ellis – Blizzard
- Junior Brother – The End
- Just Mustard – WE WERE JUST HERE
- pôt-pot – Warsaw 480km
- Maria Somerville – Luster
- SPRINTS – All That Is Over
The 21st annual RTÉ Choice Music Prize continues to be a cornerstone event for celebrating the best in Irish recorded music. The awards highlight the creativity and talent within the Irish music industry, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists.
Looking ahead, the success of CMAT and Amble is likely to propel their careers to even greater heights. The RTÉ Choice Music Prize serves as a significant launchpad for Irish artists, and their wins will undoubtedly open doors to new opportunities and wider recognition. The continued support of organizations like IMRO and IRMA will be crucial in fostering the growth of the Irish music scene.
What are your thoughts on CMAT and Amble’s wins? Share your opinions in the comments below and help us celebrate the best of Irish music!
