CMAT joins Philomena Begley on stage in surprise appearance

Irish star CMAT made a surprise appearance at an award ceremony in Belfast on Wednesday.

The pop-star joined Philomena Begley, one of Irish country music's most loved and celebrated entertainers, on stage at the NI Music Prize.

Begley was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her 64-year career.

The country music legend performed the hit Blanket on the Ground alongside CMAT.

The NI Music Prize, an annual event celebrating music in Northern Ireland, was marking its 15th anniversary on Wednesday at Ulster Hall.

Begley's award was presented by BBC broadcaster Hugo Duncan, a longtime friend of the musician.

When Begley went on to perform Blanket on the Ground she invited CMAT, who had made a surprise appearance at the ceremony, to join her on stage.

At a concert in Belfast earlier this year, CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, gave a shout-out to Begley, thanking the country legend.

Reacting to the shout-out in October, Begley told the Good Morning Ulster programme that she had never met her but had "heard so much about her".

"It's hard to beat the new generation, it's great to see them all doing well."

Begley added that she was "over the moon" to win the award.

"I'm lost for words," she said.

Begley said she did not know what reaction to expect at the awards ceremony, but that she was "looking forward to it".

Charlotte Dryden, CEO of Oh Yeah Music Centre, who were the organisers of the NI Music Prize, said that seeing Begley and CMAT together "was something really special".

"We've had some incredible moments at the NI Music Prize over the years, but I don't think we've ever experienced an atmosphere quite like that," she said.

Philomena Begley is one of the island's most loved entertainers.

An unrivalled interpreter of country music, she has delighted audiences on stages all over the world and collaborated with country greats like Porter Wagoner and Billie Jo Spears, who first released Blanket on The Ground.

From humble beginnings in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, Begley had a simple, but happy childhood as one of eight children in a close-knit, traditional and musical family.

She always loved to sing, but had no plans of pursuing a career in music.

Begley accidentally entered the world of country music at a local dance, when she was called on stage as a dare to sing a song with the Old Cross Céilí Band.

An instant hit, she was asked to fill in as cover for someone who had taken ill in the band and suddenly became swept up in the 1960s dance-hall circuit.

In 1975, Begley was granted permission to record her own version of Blanket on the Ground from US country music star Billie Jo Spears who had released it earlier that year as the title track from the album of the same name.

Begley's version went to number five in the Irish charts and sparked some friendly rivalry between the pair.

Over the years, they became close friends, sharing many of the same hits and performing together on several occasions.

Blanket on the Ground remains one of Begley's most popular songs to this day.

Begley has captivated crowds on stages all over the world, performing everywhere from Wembley Stadium to Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1978, she was invited by Porter Wagoner, the man who introduced Dolly Parton to the world, to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville's legendary home of country music.

Here she rubbed shoulders with the stars of global country music and even received a standing ovation for her performance of Blanket on the Ground.

It was fitting recognition for her contribution to country music in Ireland and beyond.

In 2025, Begley's Blanket on the Ground becoming the unofficial anthem for the Dungannon Swifts and their journey to the Irish Cup final.

Dillon Boyd, from The Spirit of '49 Dungannon Swifts supporters club, said it all started after the Pomeroy woman's song was played on the bus radio on an away trip and "the whole place just took off".

Speaking to BBC News NI ahead of the Irish Cup final, Ms Begley said she was "shocked, but delighted" with the response.

The Swifts went on to win the final, holding their nerve against Cliftonville to secure a 4-3 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw after extra time.

At a victory parade after the final, the Queen of Country joined players on stage for a rendition of 'Blanket on the Ground'.