Dundalk band The Corrs received honorary MBEs from the British Queen today in recognition of their "outstanding contributions" to the music industry and their work for charity.
British Ambassador His Excellency Stewart Eldon presented the individual awards to each of the band members at his residence in Sandyford, Dublin.
Violin player Sharon Corr said said it was a surprise to have their work recognised by another country. "I think it is quite an unusual thing. It is very surprising. When we were called about it, we were given no hint what the call was about."
She added: "It is also surprising to receive an honour from another country but, for us, it was very nice for the reasons that it was given and the reasons it was given were our contribution to music and voluntary works."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern issued a statement congratulating the group, saying he was "delighted" for them. Mr Ahern added that The Corrs had been "exceptional ambassadors" for Ireland.
The siblings, from Dundalk, Co Louth, who first began performing together in the early 1990s, have played charity concerts to raise money for the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne, the victims of the Omagh bombings and the Prince's Trust.
The Corrs ' blend of traditional Irish music and instruments with pop music has ensured them worldwide fame, with more than 30 million record sales.