The Gloaming beat Hozier, U2 and Sinead O'Connor to take Choice Music Prize

The Irish/American five-piece were named winners, for their self-titled debut LP, at a ceremony in Vicar Street, Dublin tonight - but could not accept the award as they were en route to Australia for a tour.

The group, which includes Cork vocalist Iarla O Lionaird and Clare fiddle player Martin Hayes, combine traditional music with more progressive elements.

Their win was not a surprise – bookies had installed them as second favourites for the award, for which Hozier, U2 and Sinead O'Connor were also in contention.

A separate prize for best Irish song of 2014 went to The Script for 'Superheroes'.

Here's what Twitter had to say about the result.

Aw, nice one! @TheGloaming1 won the #choicemusicprize. Not my usual taste but it's a beautiful album, listened to it loads last year

— Mary Molloy (@MaryLMolloy) March 5, 2015

Bass player gently rests his bass on the monitor causing some mild low end feedback. #thestateofrockandroll #choicemusicprize

— Thms Fnnng (@thmsfnnng) March 5, 2015

The Script won song of the year at the #choicemusicprize awards. There aren't enough lols to do that justice 😂

— Alan Mulvey 🌻 (@al70) March 5, 2015