Ahead of the 2026 MusicNL Awards, we are proud to share that our fearless leader, Mr. Con O’Brien, founding member of The Irish Descendants, will be receiving an Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award. For 36 years, Con has been at the helm of this band — guiding 18 (soon to be 19) recordings, earning a Juno Award, and collecting countless accolades along the way. His voice, his leadership, and his unwavering dedication have shaped Newfoundland & Labrador’s folk and Irish music landscape for more than three decades. With no signs of slowing down — and more tours already on the horizon — this recognition feels especially meaningful. It is an honour to celebrate Con today, and to acknowledge the legacy he continues to build.