NI Music Prize 2026

Philomena Begley is receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ulster Hall on Wednesday 11 November, as part of the NI Music Prize 2026. The prize is produced by the Oh Yeah Music Centre and falls within the Sound of Belfast festival, which runs from 5 to 15 November.

Begley, born in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, is known as the 'Queen of Irish Country Music'. Her career stretches back more than six decades, starting in the 1960s dance halls and showband era with the Old Cross Céilí Band, and later Country Flavour, before she fronted the Ramblin' Men and eventually built a solo career. Along the way she's put out hits like 'Blanket on the Ground', 'Here Today, Gone Tomorrow', 'Ramblin' Man' and 'The Way Old Friends Do', and recorded popular duets with Ray Lynam.

She's toured Ireland, Britain, Europe, America and Australia, and played Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. She's shared stages with Tammy Wynette, Billie Jo Spears, Don Williams and Charley Pride, and picked up a European Gold Star Award and Top Female Vocalist at the British Country Music Association Awards. This award marks the 15th anniversary of the NI Music Prize, which runs as part of the Sound of Belfast festival from 5 to 15 November, with the ceremony taking place at the Ulster Hall on Wednesday 11 November.