The legendary Chieftains were presented with the inaugural National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement award at a recent gala event hosted by the American Ireland Fund in Philadelphia.

Formed by Paddy Moloney in 1962, the Chieftains marked their 50th anniversary last month by releasing their latest studio album Voice of Ages, which features collaborations with contemporary indie and alternative acts including Bon Iver, Imelda May, The Low Anthem and The Decemberists. "For any group of musicians to stay together for 50 years is an amazing achievement – to perform at the level of The Chieftains for that time is unparalleled in Irish musical history," said Simon Taylor, chief executive of the National Concert Hall.

The Chieftains are on a US tour that will culminate in a gig at Carnegie Hall on St Patrick’s Day.