With Irish Music Month underway, the good news is continuing to roll in for rising stars across the nation, with more than eighty artists being named as local finalists in the national search for A New Local Hero over the coming weeks. Here are Sunshine 106.8's four picks: Keith Grace, Karol Sadlier, Ceola and Carron.
Keith Grace, Karol Sadlier, Ceola and Carron have been picked out as Sunshine 106.8's local finalists in the A New Local Hero national talent search - a key part of Irish Music Month which is taking place on 22 stations across Ireland.
As one of the central features of Irish Music Month, A New Local Hero is a major call to arms for Irish musicians and bands – with all 22 participating radio stations having reached out for submissions in recent months. The excitement is rising, with a slew of announcements arriving this week. Each of the acts selected by the stations will perform and be interviewed on their local station, with one act from each station going forward onto the long-list of contenders for the national A New Local Hero award.
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. Irish Music Month is also supported by IMRO, RAAP and Live Nation, along with Ticketmaster, Rubyworks, Camden Recording Studios and Spéir Mix and Master.
The stations participating in Irish Music Month are: Sunshine 106.8, East Coast FM, KFM, Clare FM, Classic Hits, Radio Nova, Cork's 96FM, FM104, Galway Bay FM, Highland Radio, KCLR, Limerick Live 95FM, LMFM, Midlands 103, Midwest Radio, Northern Sound, Ocean FM, Radio Kerry, Shannonside FM, South East Radio, Tipp FM, and WLR FM.
What Irish Music Month means, across participating independent stations, is:
– More Irish music song plays
– More Irish music artist mentions
– More Irish music features
– More Irish artist gig pushes
– More Irish artist interviews
And – what's more – we'll be putting over €100,000 into the hands of music makers and their crews across the country too.
Without further ado, let's meet Sunshine 106.8's shortlisted artists...
KEITH GRACE
Keith Grace is a Dublin-born and bred songwriter, guitarist and creative, coming from a family where music and creativity run deep. Inspired and encouraged by both his father, Robert Grace, and his mother, Noeleen, Keith was supported from an early age to pursue his passion for music and embrace the rewards, freedom and experiences that come with it.
Keith’s musical journey has included performing and recording with both The Bloody Quills and Revolution for Dogs. Both bands recorded albums and performed at venues and festivals including Electric Picnic, Whelan’s and The Academy.
His creative work has extended beyond live music and recording, with music placements connected to the Irish and Swedish film boards, as well as independent film and short-film productions, including Collateral.
More recently, Keith has continued to perform live, including appearances alongside his son Conor on drums at The Lighthouse in Dún Laoghaire and Buck Mulligan’s as part of the Dún Laoghaire Festival. In 2025, Keith also took part in a special three-generation performance at The Dalkey Duck, sharing the stage with his father, Robert, and his son, Conor — bringing three generations of family and music together.
Continuing to create independently, Keith recorded and produced new material in 2025 and 2026, accompanied by independently created music videos for his tracks Waves and Irish Goodbye. These latest projects reflect his ongoing commitment to songwriting, recording and visual creativity, while staying true to his independent spirit and love of music.
Rooted in Dublin City and driven by a passion for guitar, songwriting and storytelling, Keith brings a raw and honest energy to his work. For Keith, music is more than a passion — it is a lifelong form of expression, creativity and connection, carried through generations and fuelled by a love of rock ’n’ roll.
KAROL SADLIER
Karol Sadleir is a Dublin-based educator, school leader, published author, musician and emerging songwriter who brings a lifelong passion for language, storytelling, and music to her craft.
With a professional background deeply rooted in English literature, education, and pastoral care, Karol has spent years exploring the emotional depth of the written word. Her transition into songwriting is a natural evolution of her love for creative expression.
Her work focuses an evocative, narrative-driven lyrics that capture the subtleties of human connection, resilience, and the shared journeys that define us. She enters this competition eager to share her distinct voice and connect with fellow creators.
CEOLA
Ceola Dunne is a 14-year-old actor, singer, musician, and dancer from Co Meath. As well as performing she enjoys hobbies such as Gaelic Football, Basketball and Tennis. Ceola is currently reprising the role of Josephine in the next series of WEDNESDAY for Netflix.
Recent screen credits the role of Josephine in WEDNESDAY S2 directed by Tim Burton for Netflix. She also played the role of Catherine Rose for SHOWKIDS on TV for RTÉ and directed by Hugh O’Connor. Further credits include the lead role of Nell in TOY SHOW: THE MUSICAL for RTÉ, and an appearance in the IYCMI production of EVITA opposite Rebecca Storm at the National Concert Hall. She started writing songs two years ago.
CARRON
Sisters and multi-instrumentalists Méabh and Mella Carron formed their namesake band in 2015 as a healing project during a period of illness. Joined by guitarist, violinist and co-writer Darragh McGrath, the trio have built their music around the idea of writing to heal, exploring themes of nature, recovery, love, tension and family throughout their catalogue.
Blending Celtic influences with contemporary pop, their sound is driven by close vocal harmonies, organic instrumentation and an instinct for atmospheric, emotionally charged songwriting. Their music has drawn comparisons to Florence + the Machine, Fleetwood Mac and First Aid Kit, alongside the Celtic sensibilities of The Cranberries, Clannad and The Corrs. This distinctive sound has earned the band national radio airplay and a growing grassroots following.
