Don't read below if you want the awards to be a surprise

from todays Irish Independent

BBC honours Christy Moore with folk award



CHRISTY Moore was last night honoured with a lifetime achievement award in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.


Taoiseach Bertie Ahern paid tribute by recording a special message for the award ceremony at London's Marriott Hotel.


He said: "He is a fantastic musician who has been one of the backbones of our traditional music history in Ireland.


"His contribution to the folklore and song has been immense. He is an artist who has influenced various generations of musicians and singers and as an activist has contributed in making this country a better place to live."


As well as Moore, Altan picked up the award for best folk group.


The big winner of the night was English singer, songwriter and violinist Eliza Carthy who scored a hat-trick at the annual awards.


The daughter of folk legends Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson took folk singer of the year, best album for 'Anglicana' and best traditional track for 'Worcester City'.


Singer Linda Thomson, struck by acute stage fright which left her unable to sing for 17 years, saw her long-awaited comeback win an award for the year's best song for her track 'No Telling'.


John McCusker won musician of the year.