The Academic win Best Irish Indie Act

Mullingar foursome The Academic took home the award for Best Irish Indie Act of the Year at the Irish Post Awards last Thursday night.

The Academic – Matt Murtagh, Craig Fitzgerald, Stephen Murtagh and Dean Gavin – who are currently on tour in the States, had another Mullingar man and manager of the band, Carl Brogan, accept the gong on their behalf.

Accepting the award from Elgin Loane, owner and publisher of the The Irish Post, Carl said: “The boys are on the last night of their tour in Los Angeles, they really wish they were here, but I’d like to thank IMRO, and the Irish Post for putting on an amazing night. It’s a great night for Irish music, so thank you.”

Mullingar was well represented on the night, as The Blizzards took to the stage of inaugural music awards ceremony in the INEC Killarney with a rocking rendition of their hit, Fantasy.

The Blizzards are set to release Love Me Later, the first single from their new album this Friday June 15.

The Irish Post event, which was presented by Sile Seoige and Malachy Cush, included live performances from The High Kings, Una Healy and Phil Coulter.

The Outstanding Contribution to Irish Music went to Chris de Burgh, while the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Phil Coulter.