Monaghan County Council will support a number of musicians at the Your Roots are Showing Showcase, 14-18th January 2026 in Belfast.
If you are a Monaghan born or based musician, you are invited to submit an application at this link : https://documents.monaghancoco.ie/Forms/YRAS26
Closing date is 9PM GMT on 22nd August 2025
More info about YRAS at https://www.showingroots.com/
Monaghan County Council Partners with YRAS to Champion Local Musicians on International Stage
Monaghan County Council is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Your Roots Are Showing (YRAS), Ireland’s international music industry conference and showcase event. As part of this collaboration, financial support will be made available to musicians who are from, living in, or have a strong heritage connection with County Monaghan to showcase in the 2026 edition of the event.
Your Roots Are Showing (YRAS) has become a beacon for artists working within folk, roots, and culturally connected musical traditions. With a global reputation for bridging the past with the future, the event celebrates everything from Irish traditional music to Americana, bluegrass, world music, alt-folk, and contemporary acoustic genres. Rooted in Irish heritage, YRAS fosters artistic innovation and international collaboration through a dynamic five-day programme of professional development, live showcases, and cultural exchange.
This new partnership is designed to open doors for Monaghan-based musicians to engage with international industry leaders, connect with peers from around the world, and build sustainable careers through meaningful exposure and development opportunities.
Speaking about the announcement, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Robert Burns, said:
“Music is a powerful cultural asset, and Monaghan is home to extraordinary talent. This partnership with YRAS aligns with our strategic goals to enhance artistic opportunity and strengthen the county’s cultural profile at home and abroad. We are proud to support our musicians as they take to the international stage and to celebrate the creativity that thrives within our local communities.”
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr. PJ O’Hanlon, also welcomed the initiative:
“Since ancient times, music has helped tell the story of who we are. It connects generations and communities. By supporting our musicians to participate in YRAS 2026, we are ensuring that the voices of Monaghan’s cultural tradition — past, present, and future — are heard and celebrated far beyond our borders.”
This partnership comes at a critical time for artists navigating the evolving challenges of today’s music industry. A recent report by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) highlighted that while Ireland’s music industry contributes over €1 billion to the national economy and supports more than 13,400 jobs, many musicians continue to face financial precarity. Only 43% of IMRO members surveyed reported full-time engagement in the sector, with the majority reliant on supplementary income from outside the music industry to sustain their careers (Source: Irish Times, July 8, 2025).
Recognising these realities, Monaghan County Council’s support aims to reduce financial barriers for local artists, empowering them to seize the professional opportunities offered by YRAS. The partnership affirms the Council’s broader mission to enhance cultural expression and economic resilience within the creative sector.
YRAS founder and director Brendan McCreanor also welcomed the news, stating:
“Monaghan’s commitment to its musical community sets an example for others. We’re thrilled to partner with the Council to spotlight the immense talent emerging from the county. Together, we can ensure their voices are heard on a global stage.”
Expression of Interest Now Open:
Monaghan-based musicians or those with a strong cultural heritage connection to county Monaghan are invited to express their interest in applying to showcase at Your Roots Are Showing – Ireland’s Music Conference (YRAS), taking place in Belfast, January 2026.
Please note: This is an open application to showcase at YRAS and is only available through this Monaghan County Council partnership. Applications will only be accepted via the link below.
Expression of Interest Form: https://documents.monaghancoco.ie/Forms/YRAS26
Closing Date: 9:00 PM GMT, Thursday, 22nd August 2025
For More Information: Contact culture@monaghancoco.ie
