Philomena Begley to receive lifetime award at Belfast’s NI Music Prize

County Tyrone singer Philomena Begley will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at Belfast’s Ulster Hall on Wednesday 11 November 2026. The honour recognises more than six decades in music and forms part of the NI Music Prize’s 15th anniversary celebration, Love Belfast reports.

The event, produced by the Oh Yeah Music Centre, will recognise achievements across Northern Ireland’s music community. It takes place during Sound of Belfast, which runs from Thursday 5 to Sunday 15 November.

From Pomeroy to Nashville

Born in Pomeroy, Begley started out with the Old Cross Céilí Band, later renamed Country Flavour. She subsequently led the Ramblin’ Men before building her solo career.

Her recordings include Blanket on the Ground, Here Today, Gone Tomorrow and The Way Old Friends Do, alongside duets with Ray Lynam. Touring took her across Ireland and Britain and on to Europe, America and Australia.

In Nashville, Begley performed at the Grand Ole Opry and made recordings at Porter Wagoner’s Fireside Studios. She also appeared on stages with Tammy Wynette, Billie Jo Spears, Don Williams and Charley Pride.

Recognition across generations

Her connection with other Irish artists includes Shane MacGowan, whose band The Pogues referenced Begley and Lynam in A Pair of Brown Eyes. In 2019, MacGowan performed Fairytale of New York with her on The Late Late Show. CMAT has also described Begley as an idol.

Oh Yeah Music Centre chief executive Charlotte Dryden said the award recognised both Begley’s long career and the affection audiences hold for her. Dryden also highlighted her role in creating opportunities for other performers, particularly women in a music industry often dominated by men.

Source: Love Belfast