'Completely thrilled and deeply honoured': John Spillane elated following award win

Cork singer-songwriter John Spillane was effusive in his gratitude as he collected the award for Best Folk Album for his new bilingual opera Fíoruisce — The Legend of the Lough at the RTÉ Folk Awards, presented at an event in Dublin this week.

The winning album, featuring a star-studded line-up of Irish singers and musicians, is described as a Gaelic folk opera and includes lyrics in Irish and English.

At the event in Dublin venue Vicar Street, which was attended by President Michael D Higgins, the Cork man’s album was named as the winner of a category which also included Christy Moore’s album A Terrible Beauty, Lemoncello’s eponymous collection, The Crankie Island Song Project by Cathy Jordan, and the self-titled collection from Keane-Connolly-McGorman.

Mr Spillane described himself as “completely thrilled and deeply honoured” to win the award.

“ Fíoruisce — The Legend of the Lough was a labour of love that I’ve been working on for over 10 years, and I am incredibly grateful that it has received this honour,” said the singer.

“I’m delighted that my little local legend that explores big themes such as water rights, possession, and restriction of natural resources has found its place amongst the great music that is being created today.

“Huge thanks to my wife Cathy and all my family for their continued support; to my manager Ciara O’Leary Fitzpatrick for all the hard work and calm organisation; to Wavefield Recordings, Clonakilty; to Megan Clancy for the fantastic artwork; and especially to all the brilliant singers who put their heart and soul into this project,” he added.

“Thank you to RTÉ for their support and to the public and my wonderful fans who have shown such love for this album.”