Trophy for songwriting named in honour of Dundalk woman

A trophy for songwriting has been named in honour of a Dundalk woman who died in April.

The inaugural "Clare Corrigan Award" will be presented at the Drogheda Songwriting Festival in September.

The presentation will be during the festival's closing session, when participants showcase their newly written songs. The standout track will win a professional day of recording with producer Daniel De Burca at Jejune Studios, Drogheda.

Clare (nee Coyle), from a local Blackrock family, died suddenly at her home, aged 72. Her husband Chris said: "Clare was a keen singer all her life, not letting times of deep depression nor, lately, Parkinson's disease, hold her back.

"Clare would have been so proud to have this award named after her. She became interested in composing her own lyrics and attended monthly gatherings of the Drogheda Songwriting Club, where Clare made many firm friends who encouraged her creativity."

Gillian Tuite, a popular singer-songwriter from Oldcastle, Meath, will sing Clare's song, "Ancestors Guide Us" - one of the very last she wrote before her death - at a gala concert closing the festival.

The club's first festival was in 2024 which has been followed by monthly songwriting workshops throughout the subsequent years.

A second festival in 2025 to which Clare was a significant contributor, writing several songs with other songwriters.

Event co-organiser Gerry Hodgers said "The 2026 event will be the biggest yet and this unique award which will be presented to one song, chosen by the experienced mentors, will serve to honour Clare's unwavering support & enthusiasm for the art and joy of songwriting."

The Festival is being held at the Barbican Centre, Drogheda, on 26th and 27th September.

For more information go to www.droghedasongwritingfestival.com