Irish Music Month is back for 2026 and the search for KCLR’s New Local Hero has come to an end!
The winner will be announced on The Home Run, just after 4pm on Monday 28 September.
Hear this year's New Local Hero finalists...
Irish Music Month runs on 21 Irish radio stations, KCLR included, from 14 September to 11 October. Across the month, we’ll be playing even more great Irish music, featuring more chats, more mentions, and putting more money in creators’ pockets!
As part of Irish Music Month, we’re searching for A New Local Hero, and if you (or someone you know) is making amazing original music in Kilkenny or Carlow, then get in touch with us!
Out of all the local submissions, we’ll choose four acts to join us in studio, record a studio session and interview, in return taking home close to €1,000 each.
We’ll then put each act forward to a public vote and judging panel to help decide KCLR’s New Local Hero for 2026, and put them forward for consideration for the national final.
The overall top prize includes €5,000 cash, a single release on Rubyworks (recorded at Camden Recording Studios with Cian Boylan, mastered by Grammy-winner Ruairi Cushnan of Spéir Mix & Master), a month of guaranteed airplay on every radio station taking part and more.
Irish Music Month on KCLR - Latest News
A New Local Hero: Could Kilkenny’s Patrick Dowling be your Wildcard Award winner for 2026?
Voting is open for a Wildcard Winner as Irish Music Month looks to crown a national New Local Hero.
“It could have been any one of us”: Patrick Dowling named KCLR’s New Local Hero for 2026
KCLR has A New Local Hero for 2026 and his name is Patrick Dowling.
Kilkenny and Carlow acts announced as national search for A New Local Hero takes off
Becca Mitchell, BRENN, MARYANN, and Patrick Dowling all feature in A New Local Hero for 2026.
Which acts will represent Carlow and Kilkenny for Irish Music Month?
Four acts will be announced as possible contenders later today
About Irish Music Month
Launched in 2021, Irish Music Month is an initiative of Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, and is funded by Coimisiún na Meán. The initiative is also supported by IMRO, RAAP, Live Nation, Rubyworks and Camden Recording Studios. All-in, the value of the Irish Music Month project for Irish artists is in excess of €100,000.
Read more here, and stay tuned to KCLR across the months of August and September for all the details on Irish Music Month and to hear more great Irish music on air.
