Congratulations  Bobby Gardiner.

 

When the TG4 Awards were announced last Tuesday it turned out to be a pleasant but not unexpected surprise for all involved in Trad music in Co Waterford.  At a function in Cork City Hall which was attended by invited guests from Ballyduff and Comeraghs Comhaltas branches as well as friends and families of the nominees, a loud cheer greeted the announcement of Bobby Gardiner as the recipient of the Gradam Saol Award.  Bobby who became part of an innovative music teaching project in the early 1980s which was organised by Waterford Comhaltas branches, has had a phenomenal impact on the development of traditional music in our communities.  Outside of his teaching career his musical reputation began in his teens with The Kilfenora Céilí Band and continued in USA through the 1960s. His wonderful records from those years and later his CDs and broadcasts have ranked among the best.  This Lifetime Achievement Award is well deserved by Bobby who has been so hard-working, co-operative, generous and loyal.  No doubt admirers of Bobby, his music and his work will throng to the Cork Opera House on Sunday  22nd February for the presentation of the awards which will be broadcast live from 9.30pm on TG4. Doors open from 8pm and tickets are €25. www.corkoperahouse.ie or 0214270022.