Brisbane guitarist Alan Boyle is the winner of the Billy Thorpe Scholarship for 2009. Alan Boyle, originally from Ireland, has been busy building a reputation in Australia as a powerful performer with appearances at the Woodford Folk Festival, Greenfest '08, Queensland Multicultural Festival, Brisbane's official Australia Day 2009 Celebrations and as support for Dragon and Wendy Matthews on their respective SE QLD tours in 2009.

Before moving to Brisbane, he began his career in Dublin singing in Keith Power's Tapestry in the early nineties, performing at the legendary White Horse and then as a solo artist at venues like the International Bar, and Vicar Street supporting the late Herb Dade. While living in Italy, he played on stages in Rome, Venice, and at the Festa Della Musica in Florence.

2009 sees him forming new band The Bleeding Hearts with Matt Kafoa (Shutterspeed), Chris McKelliget (Burl Ivers) and Toby Baron (Ray Davies Band).

Following his 2005 debut Shallow Heart, recorded in Dublin, his second Ep Oxygen is a dense and emotive work, drawing on his rich celtic musical heritage, incisive lyricism and a unique vocal style. Over a year in the making, the record features lush instrumental touches from musical guests Emma Dean on strings, and trumpeter Shannon Booyens of Tijuana Cartel, and has already garnered industry attention with one of the tracks " This Town: being recently nominated for a prestigious 2009 QSong Award from amongst 2100 other entries. "This Town: was also shortlisted in the top ten of the Pop Category. Other tracks from the EP, "Back To Go:, and "Oxygen" have been receiving regular airplay on QLD radio stations 4ZZZ, GOLD 92.5FM, 99.7FM Redcliffe, and Brisbane's 4AAA.

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11 August 2009 - Winner of 2009 Billy Thorpe Scholarship announced