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Irish Music Month
Emerging musicians sought for Irish Music Month
Midwest Radio is joining independent radio stations across the country in the search for Ireland’s newest Local Hero as part of Irish Music Month
The initiative aims to shine a spotlight on some of Ireland’s most exciting emerging musical talent, giving one act the opportunity to take the next step in their career with a major package of support.
The winning Local Hero will receive €5,000 in prize money, along with €5,000 worth of additional support, including the opportunity to record and release a single with Rubyworks, national radio play, expert mentoring, PR and industry support.
Midwest Radio is now calling on artists and bands from across the West of Ireland who are making original music to get involved.
If you believe you, or an act you know, could be Ireland’s next Local Hero, you can enter by sending your song and details to localhero@midwestradio.ie.
Entries close at 5pm on September 6th, 2026.
The Search for a New Local Hero is part of Irish Music Month – Irish Radio Supporting Irish Artists, brought to you by Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI), in association with Midwest Radio, and supported by Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound & Vision Scheme, funded by the Television Licence Fee.
Amhrán na Laoch Songwriting Competition Confirmed for Irish Music Month 2026
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The competition, run by Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, IBI, and supported by An Post, will see a recording of the winning song released by Gael Linn.
Hot Press and the IBI have announced Amhrán na Laoch 2026, an Irish language songwriting competition supported by An Post, as part of this year’s Irish Music Month.
Irish Music Month is an initiative of Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and is supported by Coimisiún na Meán under its Sound and Vision scheme.
Previous Winners
Amhrán na Laoch was won last time out by Huartan, from Belfast, with Bean Udaí Thall.
Huartan went on to win the Live Act of the Year Award at the NI Music Prize and also took the BBC Introducing Northern Irish Artist of the Year Award at the end of 2025.
President Praises the Competition
Amhrán na Laoch has been singled out for praise by the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly.
“As President of Ireland, may I send my very best wishes to Hot Press and to all those local radio stations and artists participating in this year’s Irish Music Month.
“It is vitally important that our broadcasters support our local Irish artists and I am very grateful for the commitment which each of the stations involved are showing to Irish musicians through this initiative.
“I am particularly pleased to note that Irish Music Month will again this year include the Irish language song competition Amhrán na Laoch, fostering creativity and songwriting in the Irish language. May I wish all involved a wonderful month of music and performance.”
Críostóir Mac Cafraidh, Senior Communications Executive at An Post, said:
“An Post is proud to support Amhrán na Laoch, celebrating the creativity of songwriters and performers through the Irish language. By helping to showcase Irish language music on a national stage, we are supporting communities, culture and the continued growth of an Ghaeilge across Ireland.”
Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said:
“Tá an chuid ceoltóirí agus cumadóirí amhráin ag obair trí Ghaeilge anois, agus iad ag cruthú obair iontach a bhfuil macalla leis ar fud an domhain.”
“There are many musicians and songwriters writing songs in Irish now,” Stokes added, “and creating brilliant work that resonates throughout the world.”
Michael Kelly, Chief Executive of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, said:
“Amhrán na Laoch is a great chance to further highlight the potential of the national language in popular and contemporary music.
“The Irish language is achieving fast growing levels of interest with the support of music artists. Our independent radio stations are delighted to be associated with this initiative and look forward to even more innovative ways of bringing music in the Irish language to listeners.”
Winning Song to be Released by Gael Linn
The good news is that Gael Linn has also joined forces with Hot Press and the IBI to release a recording of the winning song as part of the prize.
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, CEO of Gael Linn, said:
“Gael Linn is delighted to team up with Hot Press for Amhrán na Laoch 2026.
“We hope to bring an extra dimension to the Amhrán na Laoch competition by working with the winner to ensure their award winning song is available across the globe on the major digital platforms on a music label with seventy years of experience in the field, Gael Linn.”
How to Enter Amhrán na Laoch 2026
Entries should be sent directly to Hot Press.
Enter here https://www.hotpress.com/music/amhran-na-laoch-songwriting-competition-confirmed-for-irish-music-month-2026-supported-by-an-post-23156748
The closing date is Friday, 18 September 2026.
Songwriters and artists must have a recording or demo of their song and upload it using the special Amhrán na Laoch entry form on HotPress.com.
Songs must be the original work of the songwriter, artist or band submitting the entry.
At least 50 percent of the song must be in Irish.
“The rules stipulate that at least 50 percent of the song must be in Irish,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said.
“We’re not against songwriters throwing in píosa i mBéarla, but don’t forget that what the judges will really want to see in your work is the Irish language being used with real power and effect.”
“Cuir isteach do amhrán anois,” a dúirt sé. “Mura bhfuil tú istigh, ní féidir leat a bhuachan.”
“Enter your song now, If you’re not in, you can’t win.”
What the Winner Receives
If your song is selected as Amhrán na Laoch, you will receive.
Airplay support across 22 independent Irish radio stations.
Guaranteed coverage and support from Hot Press.
€2,500 prize money.
Music industry mentoring and support.
Mixing, mastering and release of a single through the Gael Linn label.
More on Irish Music Month
Launched in 2021, Irish Music Month is an initiative of Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and is supported by Coimisiún na Meán.
It takes place during September and October across 22 participating local radio stations, reaching listeners throughout Ireland.
Participating Radio Stations
Clare FM, Classic Hits, Cork’s 96FM, East Coast FM, FM104, Galway Bay FM, Highland Radio, KCLR, KFM, Limerick Live 95FM, LMFM, Midlands 103, Midwest Radio, Northern Sound, Ocean FM, Radio Kerry, Radio Nova, Shannonside FM, South East Radio, Sunshine FM, Tipp FM, WLR FM.
