This year the awards went all out American style, with lots of fantastic duets and collaborations throughout the show and the crowning of a new young king and queen of country.
The 2026 NICMAs also paid tribute to the real leading ladies of country music in Ireland with special guest performances by Sandy Kelly, Louise Morrissey, Claudia Buckley and Stacey Breen.
Photographs taken by Vincent Loughran.
Best male artist
Derek Ryan
Best female artist
Cliona Hagan
Best country single
Salt in My Tears by Cliona Hagan
Best album
Long Shot Love by Derek Ryan
Favourite duo
Thomas and Fhiona
Best live band
The Johnny Brady Band
Best music video
Lauren McCrory Good Ol' Girls
Best dance venue
The Ryandale Inn
Best live music bar
Charlie's Bar, Enniskillen
The Brian Coll Male Newcomer Award
Conor Owens
Female newcomer award
Maeve Farrell
Best songwriter
Derek Ryan
Best country backing band
Country Harmony
Big T favourite radio presenter
Paul McBride
Favourite female radio presenter
Kirstie McMurray
Best country tribute act
Cash Returns
Crawford Bell Gospel Artist
Owen Mac
Services to charity
Caillin Joe
Sexiest male artist
Nathan Carter
Most glamorous female artist
Cliona Hagan
Gene Stuart inspirational award
Jordan McPolin
Best wedding band
Bitz ‘N’ Pieces Band
Most genuine male vocalist
Liam Kelly
Most genuine female artist
Patricia Maguire
Most authentic country music vocalist
Sean Corrigan
Princess of Country Music
Amber Campbell
NICMA’S Honorary Ambassador
Gavin Gribben
Favourite concert host
Malcolm McDowell
NICMAS Hall of Fame Award
Eamon McCann
In recognition of 50 plus years as Ireland’s top country music ambassador
Sandy Kelly
Couple of the year
Gareth Pritchard and Shauna McStravock
In recognition of 50 plus years as Ireland’s leading lady
Louise Morrissey
Favourite visiting artist
Damian Davis
Contribution to country music
Brian Jordan ‘Rising PR’
New King of Country
Derek Ryan
New Queen of Country
Cliona Hagan
1. Malcolm McDowell and Cliona Hagan
Malcolm McDowell and Cliona Hagan Photo: Vincent Loughran
2. Malcolm McDowell and Conor Owens
Malcolm McDowell and Conor Owens Photo: Vincent Loughran
3. Cailin Joe and Malcolm McDowell
Cailin Joe and Malcolm McDowell Photo: Vincent Loughran
4. Louise Morrissey, Robin Elliott and Sandy Kelly
Louise Morrissey, Robin Elliott and Sandy Kelly Photo: Vincent Loughran