CMAT Dominates RTÉ Choice Music Prize, Securing Album and Artist of the Year

Dublin-based artist CMAT has been crowned the winner of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year 2025 for her critically acclaimed album, EURO-COUNTRY. The announcement was made by Barry Devlin of the iconic Irish band Horslips at a ceremony held in Vicar Street on Thursday evening, March 5th, 2026.

Double Win for Rising Star

CMAT’s success didn’t stop at Album of the Year. She also received the prestigious Irish Artist of the Year 2025 award, presented by Beta Da Silva of RTÉ 2FM. The singer recently expanded her brand with a ‘Dunboyne Diana’ collection in collaboration with O’Neill’s.

Amble Celebrates Song and Breakthrough Success

The RTÉ Choice Music Prize also recognized the talents of Amble, who took home two awards. Their song “Schoolyard Days” was voted Irish Song of the Year by public vote through RTÉ 2FM and the Choice Music Prize websites. Amble was further honored with the Breakthrough Irish Artist of the Year award, presented by DJ Próvai of KNEECAP.

Legacy Honored: Horslips Receive Classic Irish Album Award

The awards ceremony also celebrated Irish music history, with Horslips receiving the Classic Irish Album award for their seminal 1973 LP, The Táin. Barry Devlin, Eamon Carr, and Jim Lockhart of Horslips accepted the award on stage, welcomed by Louise Duffy of RTÉ Radio 1.

2025 Shortlist Highlights Irish Musical Diversity

The Album of the Year shortlist showcased the breadth of Irish musical talent, including:

• Amble – Reverie
• Bricknasty – Black’s Law
• Joshua Burnside – Teeth of Time
• CMAT – EURO-COUNTRY
• Dove Ellis – Blizzard
• Junior Brother – The End
• Just Mustard – WE WERE JUST HERE
• pôt-pot – Warsaw 480km
• Maria Somerville – Luster
• SPRINTS – All That Is Over

Prize Details and Event Overview

CMAT received a cheque for €10,000, provided by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA), along with a specially commissioned award. The event, hosted by RTÉ 2FM’s Tracy Clifford, featured live performances from six of the nominated artists and was broadcast live on 2FM with Beta Da Silva.

The 21st annual RTÉ Choice Music Prize continues to be a cornerstone event celebrating the best in Irish recorded music.