Galway’s Dove Ellis misses out on Mercury Prize as RAYE wins
Dove Ellis, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Galway, was shortlisted for his debut album Blizzard and performed at the Mercury Prize ceremony in Newcastle.
Galway singer-songwriter Dove Ellis has missed out on the Mercury Prize, with RAYE taking home the award at Thursday night’s ceremony in Newcastle.
The 23-year-old Manchester-based musician, from Na Tuairíní off the Moycullen Road, was shortlisted for his debut album Blizzard and performed To The Sandals at the awards show in the Utilita Arena.
RAYE won for her second album, This Music May Contain Hope, chosen from a shortlist that included Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean and Florence + The Machine.
Ellis joins U2, Villagers, Lankum and Róisín Murphy among the Irish artists recognised with Mercury nominations over the years. The overall prize, however, has yet to go to an Irish act. Last year’s contenders included CMAT and Fontaines D.C., with Sam Fender ultimately winning.
Hosted by Lauren Laverne, Thursday’s ceremony featured performances from Ellis and fellow nominees before the overall winner was announced.
Fans can watch a clip of Ellis performing To The Sandals on the official Mercury Prize Facebook page.
The nomination caps a breakthrough year for Ellis, whose earliest performances will be familiar to Galway music fans.
Ellis, whose real name is Thomas O’Donoghue, previously performed under the name Donohue and headlined the Róisín Dubh in September 2022.
As previously reported in Galway Live, he spent his teenage years learning the instruments he needed to create his own music, taking inspiration from Prince, Stevie Wonder and Sly Stone.
He built a studio in his attic and taught himself to record and produce his work before moving to the UK to pursue music full-time.
His audience grew during the second half of 2025, when he toured the United States supporting Geese and performed at St James’ Church in Dingle as part of Other Voices.
Released in December 2025, Blizzard earned enthusiastic reviews from publications including Pitchfork and The Guardian, bringing the Galway musician to wider international attention.
His connection to this year’s Mercury shortlist extended beyond his own debut. He also contributed to the War Child charity album HELP(2), which was among the contenders.
His busy touring schedule continues with Irish, UK and European dates before his first headline concert in Asia, at Tokyo’s Daikanyama UNIT on January 8, 2027. He will play the city’s rockin’on sonic festival two days later.