Two brothers who wrote the famous Irish song 'Grace' have been honoured in their hometown of Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
Sean and Frank O'Meara from St Bridget's Terrace received the Gradam Na hÉigse award this afternoon.
Mullingar Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann honoured the brothers with the Gradam Na hÉigse award in recognition of their long-time commitment to Irish culture and heritage.
The brothers wrote the song in 1985 about the artist Grace Gifford who married Joseph Mary Plunkett in the chapel at Kilmainham Gaol just hours before he was executed in 1916.
Grace has been recorded by numerous Irish and international artists and is now one of the most popular ever Irish songs.
Speaking after receiving the award, Frank and Sean O'Meara expressed their gratitude to those involved in bestowing the honour.
A huge crowd has gathered at the Cathedral in Mullingar where Frank and Seán O'Meara (writers of the song Grace) and Foster and Allen will be honoured @rtenews @fleadhcheoil pic.twitter.com/sK4OjY3yM8
— Sinéad Hussey (@SineadHus) August 10, 2023
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Foster and Allen were also formally honoured today with the Gradam award, for their contribution to Irish culture and heritage.
The pair, deemed to be two of the most successful Irish recording and touring artists, also come from Co Westmeath.
Tony Allen was born in Mount Temple village, while Mick Foster moved to Mullingar with his family in 1960 and has lived there ever since.
Former leader of the Seanad Donie Cassidy, who for decades has been involved in the music industry with son Peter, also received the award.
Last year's recipients of the prestigious award were former president Mary McAleese and former taoiseach Brian Cowen.
From the RTÉ Archives
Jim McCann sings Grace alongside the Dubliners - 1985
Rod Stewart claims BBC banned his version of Grace
