Martin Hayes is to be bestowed with his native county's highest honour tonight, when Clare County Council hosts a civic reception for him.
Hayes, who was born in Maghera, east Clare, has been the All-Ireland Fiddle Champion six times and has also won a National Entertainment Award.
He was named Instrumentalist of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2000 and 2008 Musician of the Year by TG4.
Hayes, who currently lives in the US, recently released a new album entitled 'Welcome Home Again' and will promote it on a nationwide Irish tour beginning in the Glór theatre in Ennis on 29 May.
For more on Hayes' tour dates, see our music blog.
