Amble Crowned RTÉ Choice Music Prize Song of the Year for “Schoolyard Days”

Dublin, Ireland – Amble has been awarded the prestigious RTÉ Choice Music Prize for Song of the Year, recognizing their track “Schoolyard Days.” The announcement was made live on Thursday, March 5, 2026, on The Tracy Clifford Show on RTÉ 2FM, just hours before a live event at Vicar Street celebrating the nominated artists.

A Milestone Achievement for the Rising Band

The win marks a significant moment for Amble, with band members expressing their delight and gratitude. Robbie Cunningham of Amble noted the unexpected nature of awards recognition, stating, “You don’t write the songs for awards, but when you do get nominated, it is a lovely moment to sit back and soak in what’s really happened in the last couple of years.”

Oisín McCaffrey echoed this sentiment, thanking listeners across Ireland and highlighting the surreal experience of sharing the stage with artists they’ve long admired. “There’s a lot of people taking the stage tonight for the awards gig, people we looked up to for years,” McCaffrey said. “I was in college in Galway listening to those people five or six years ago now – and now to share the stage with them is surreal, genuinely, and we’re very, very grateful for the whole thing.”

For Ross McNerney, the event held particular significance, as he previously attended the RTÉ Choice Music Prize as a fan. “I was here in 2016 when Lankum won one Album of the Year, and that was my first time seeing them,” he recalled. “And I just came as a punter, as a music fan, and to be here in 2026 getting to play on the stage, it’s something I never thought of then.”

Busy Year Ahead for Amble

Amble confirmed a busy schedule for 2026, including supporting Dermot Kennedy on tour across Europe and opening for Ed Sheeran on select dates in America. The band is also currently working on their second album. Cunningham shared, “We’re supporting Dermot Kennedy around Europe, and then we are lined up for a couple of dates with Ed Sheeran in America, as well as our own, so we’re going to be busy men again in 2026.”

The band expressed a desire to maintain their close bond as they navigate their growing success. “Hopefully, the three of us just remain best pals and the three boys behind us [on stage] as well,” a band member stated.

RTÉ Choice Music Prize 2026

The RTÉ Choice Music Prize, now in its 21st year, celebrates the best in Irish music. The event took place at Vicar Street on Thursday, March 5, 2026, with live coverage continuing on RTÉ 2FM throughout the evening. Amble was also shortlisted for the Irish Album of the Year award for their album, Reverie, alongside CMAT, Bricknasty, and Sprints, among others. A panel of eleven Irish music media professionals and industry experts determined the winners.