Young Athlone musician earns 'spotlight award' recognition from Royal Irish Academy

A young musician from Athlone has been honoured with a prestigious Spotlight Award from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, recognising outstanding achievements in his recent examinations.

Eoin Dillon, from Athlone, Westmeath, is a Grade 6 voice student with Ciarán Brady at the the Academy of Music in Tullamore.

He and fellow Academy of Music representative Patrick MacCartain from Birr, a Grade 6 flute student with Kimberely Melia, were selected for this distinguished accolade, an honour reserved for the highest-performing candidates nationwide.

Their success has brought great pride to the Academy of Music, based on Tara Street in Tullamore, which this year celebrates its eighteenth year serving Offaly's county town and the wider Midlands region.

In a statement, the Academy of Music said the achievements of students like Eoin and Patrick embody its mission.

"Their dedication to their craft—supported by their teachers, families, and the Academy’s vibrant musical community—showcases the transformative power of music education," it said.