Loose Woman Coleen Nolan alongside her sisters spoke movingly about Linda and Bernie as they picked up a gong in Ireland where their chart-topping journey began13:58, 26 Jun 2026Irish music legends The Nolans reunited in Manchester to accept a prestigious Lifetime Contribution to the Music Industry Award at the 2026 Pride of Éireann International Awards.‌The star studded event brought together some of Ireland's most celebrated personalities, including snooker icon Dennis Taylor and country music star Nathan Carter.‌And representing one of the country’s most successful musical exports, sisters Anne, Denise, Maureen and Coleen stepped out in style to celebrate a legacy that has seen The Nolans sell more than 30 million records worldwide.‌Held at the Manchester Hotel Deansgate, Manchester, on 20 June, was also a poignant occasion as the sisters paid tribute to their beloved sisters, Bernie and Linda, whose contributions to the group's success continue to be remembered and celebrated.Accepting the award, Anne Nolan told guests emotionally: "We'd like to honour two of our sisters who aren't here with us anymore, Bernie and Linda."‌Heartbrerakingly, cancer has cast a dark shadow over the Nolan family.Linda died of pneumonia last January, aged 65, after a 20-year battle with cancer while Bernie, who was also well-known for her part in police drama The Bill, Bernie died in 2013, after her breast cancer returned and metastasised.In a touching moment during the ceremony, Bernie's daughter, Erin Doneathy, joined the sisters on stage to collect a special award in her mother's memory.‌Speaking after picking the award, Loose Women star Coleen said: "It is so moving to be recognised for our musical career, especially from the Pride of Éireann International Awards.‌“We are thinking of our sisters Bernie and Linda, who would have loved every moment of celebrating all things Irish. This award is not only for the four of us here today, but for Bernie and Linda, too".Denise Nolan added, “We are so proud of coming from Ireland, and when we have a chance to go back home, we do, it is one of my favourite places where I have so many amazing memories”.Maureen said: “It’s amazing to see our music continuing to connect with younger generations. We were thrilled to hear that chart topping Irish artist CMAT is a fan of our music and has spoken about how it has influenced her song writing.”Article continues belowThey were the girls next door, who got an entire generation ‘In the Mood for Dancing’ with their perfect pop and coordinated choreography, And the Nolan family have managed to remain at the forefront of the entertainment industry for the last six decades.Dubbed “Ireland’s First Family of Music”, they were the first girl group to come out of Ireland and the UK with global chart success.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .