The 15 year old (right), who has been attending Folkus music making
workshops since she was a young girl reached the finals of this prestigious competition for young folk singers and musicians.
Open to all budding performers in the UK, aged between 15 and 20 years old, the finalists gathered to be judged in the Radio Theatre at the BBC Broadcasting House earlier this month.
The young contestants came from as far apart as the Isle of Skye, The Borders, Lancashire, London, Dorset and Northern Ireland.
"The quality of their music and performance was outstanding and presented the judges with a most difficult decision," says Folkus founder Alan Bell. "The winner was singer and
guitarist James Findley, aged 20, from Dorset singing traditional songs but as the youngest contestant Niamh showed great talent and received great applause from the very knowledgeable and appreciative audience.
"It has been a tremendous experience for her and will boost her growing reputation as being one of the best young performers of her generation."
Niamh plays the bodhran, fiddle and guitar to accompany her songs.
She in the sixth form at Lytham St Annes Technology and Performing Arts School.
Already well-known on the folk circuit nationally and in Ireland, Niamh, qualified for a top spot after taking part in the semi-finals in Stratford-upon-Avon.
In autumn, Niamh won the Fred Jordan Memorial Singing Competition at Bromyard Folk Festival which landed her automatic bookings for Bromyard and Warwick Folk Festivals next year.
She inherited her love of Irish music from her dad, Mike Kelly, who was born in Enniskillen and who shares his passion for the music of his homeland with his partner, Naimh's mum, Vicki Boadle. Her elder sister Roisin is also an accomplished
musician.
"I'm really grateful for all the
support Alan and Folkus have given me," said Niamh.