Ard-Ollamh Award Ceremony 2025

Ard-Ollamh Award

The Ard-Ollamh Award is the highest honor bestowed by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, recognizing exceptional contributions to traditional Irish music. This prestigious award acknowledges a lifetime of dedication to the traditional arts.

Presented annually at the Fleadh Cheoil, this year’s ceremony will take place on August 6th, 2025, at 7pm at the Talbot Hotel in Wexford. We’re delighted to announce that Gary Shannon is the 2025 Ard-Ollamh recipient.

Tickets available from the National Opera House website at this link: Ard Ollomh Awards | National Opera House

2025 Ard-Ollamh Recipient, Gary Shannon

Garry Shannon is from a musical family in Ruan, Co. Clare. In professional life, he rose to Assistant Principal at St Flannan’s College in Ennis where he taught French and Irish. He served on the Board of the National Concert Hall and the Board of Governors of University of Galway. He has contributed to dozens of radio and TV programmes, has presented on RTÉ1 and TG4 and delivers occasional lectures on musical topics.

He won the All-Ireland senior flute title in 1988 and has performed and produced on several albums, both as a soloist and with ensembles including the Shannon family. He is particularly associated with the iconic Kilfenora Céilí Band as their long-time show presenter.

Garry holds an MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance from UL.
Over the years, he has shared his passion as a music teacher in classes all over North Cork, West Limerick and especially in County Clare. He coached Ennis Céil Band to three consecutive All-Ireland titles 2001- 2003 and is coordinator of Burren Bands and groups at Corofin CCÉ where many fine musicians have emerged with a lifelong love of our culture. He has tutored and adjudicated at all levels.

Garry has spearheaded the development of the unique musical experience which is Meitheal Residential Summer School since 2004, along with Ernestine Healy. It offers an innovative suite of unrivalled opportunities to young musicians of high competence.

Garry has served since the ‘90s on the Coistí Ceoil/Oideachais of Comhaltas, represented traditional musicians at the Dáil sub-committee for the Arts during the 2003 debates and is currently Cathaoirleach of Bord Co. An Chláir of CCÉ.

Garry has numerous outside interests such as An Ghaeilge, agriculture, audio and video editing and he maintains a multi-pronged social media presence.

He is married to dance teacher, Anne O Connell. They have four children, Killian, Saoirse, Daire and Áine. All are involved in music or dance in various capacities.