“I want to extend the warmest congratulations to Calum Agnew, who was announced last night as the recipient of the A New Local Hero Award 2024, which is part of the Irish Music Month initiative, organised by Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, and funded from the Sound & Vision fund, by Coimisiún na Meán,” the President said.
“There is so much extraordinary musical talent in Ireland right now, as was confirmed so emphatically, when independent radio stations all over Ireland chose their own Local Hero, as part of Irish Music Month.
“The judges must have had an exceptionally difficult job selecting a shortlist of six from those uniquely talented artists – and so, in addition to Calum Agnew, Bobbi Arlo, Asophonics, Mia Black, Jessica Brett and Projective all deserve our most sincere congratulations.
“We are in a very special moment here in Ireland, with brilliant young, creative artists like all six finalists delivering works of remarkable imagination, quality and strength.
“Calum Agnew is one of those admirable talents. A truly committed musician who has been writing songs ever since he was a young child.
“He really has enormous potential – so it is marvellous to see him being recognised in this powerful way by a panel of judges from across the music industry – including experienced and highly successful artists of the calibre of Ruth-Anne Cunningham and Róisín O.
“The prize is a very valuable one – but most of all, the title of A New Local Hero 2024, which has been conferred on Calum Agnew – and the support from Irish local radio that it guarantees – will I’m sure open the way for him to move on with confidence to the next level, in what should be a wonderfully productive, long-term career.
“Well done, Calum Agnew. I wish you a hugely successful career as an artist, a songwriter, a performer and a singer.
“Traoslaím leat agus gach rath ort don todhchaí.”
