Fontaines D.C. have won the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year for the first time, with their acclaimed fourth album, Romance.

The Dublin-formed band were announced as the winners of the prestigious prize at last night's live show in Vicar Street, and were presented with the award by previous Album of the Year winner Neil Hannon. A judging panel made up of Irish music media professionals gathered on the evening to decide on the winning album – from a shortlist that also included projects from Curtisy, Orla Gartland, KNEECAP, NewDad, Niamh Regan, Róis, Silverbacks and SPRINTS.

Irish-Palestinian singer-songwriter Roisin El Cherif accepted the award on behalf of the band, as they are currently on tour in Australia.

Roisin El Cherif accepting Fontaines D.C.'s award for Irish Album of the Year at the Choice Music Prize. Photo: Andres Poveda

As part of their prize, Fontaines D.C will receive a cheque for €10,000, provided by IMRO and IRMA, as well as a specially commissioned award.

Other winners announced on the night included Jordan Adetunji (Irish Artist of the Year), and KNEECAP (Breakthrough Irish Artist of the Year).

The event – which also featured performances from several of the acts – was hosted by Tracy Clifford, and was broadcast live on RTÉ 2FM.

Earlier yesterday, Kabin Crew and Lisdoonvarna Crew were announced as the winners of the Choice Music Prize for Irish Song of the Year, for their viral hit 'The Spark', which was decided by a public vote.

Enya’s 1998 album Watermark was also honoured on the night as this year's Classic Irish Album.

A one-hour TV programme featuring highlights from the show will be broadcast on RTÉ2 on Thursday, March 13, at 10.35pm.

🏆 RTÉ CHOICE PRIZE ALBUM OF THE YEAR WINNERS 🏆@fontainesdublin have been announced as the winner of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year 2024 for the album Romance.
The 20th winners of the prize! Huge congrats to this incredible Irish band#RTECHOICEPRIZE pic.twitter.com/hsmvZ4iyqn

— RTÉ Choice Music (@choiceprize) March 6, 2025