The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards took the Armagh City Hotel by storm on Monday night (January 29), with an array of local artists taking home gongs.
Hundreds of country fans, young and old, flocked to the venue for an emotional but uplifting night celebrating the best and brightest that the Northern Irish country music scene has to offer.
Among the winners were nine-year-old Amber Campbell from Belleeks, who won ‘Best Female Newcomer’ and Armagh man Andrew McMurdie, who took home the ‘Services to Charity’ award.
Read more: Belleeks singer Amber (9) wins best female newcomer at NI Country Music Awards
The full list of winners on the night is as follows:
Best Male Artist: Derek Ryan
Best Female Artist: Cliona
Best Single: ‘The Way I Am’ – The Tumbling Paddies
Best Album: ‘Pure & Simple’ – Derek Ryan
Authentic Country Vocalist: John Rafferty
Best Music Video: ‘Dream to be a Superstar’ – Calin Joe
Best Live Band: Keltic Storm
Best Live Country Music Venue: The Ryandale Hotel
The Brian Coll Male Newcomer Award: Cailin Joe
Female Newcomer: Amber Campbell
Best Country Duo: Thomas Maguire and Fhiona Ennis
Best Songwriter: Derek Ryan
The Biggest Ego: Hugo Duncan
Best Backing Band: Country Harmony
Favourite Radio Presenter: Big T
Favourite Comedy Artist: Gary Gamble
Best Tribute Act: Cash Returns
Favourite Country Gospel Artist: Owen Mac
Services to Charity: Andrew McMurdie
The Gene Stuart Inspirational Award: Gavin Gribben
Sexiest Male Artist: Lee Matthews
Most Glamorous Female Artist: Cliona
Favourite Compere: Malcolm McDowell
Ireland’s Favourite Country Star: Claudia Buckley
Presentations:
Billy McFarland – Hall of Fame
Margo O’Donnell – In recognition of 60 Years
Declan Nerney – In recognition of his contribution to the industry
John McNicholl & Band – Celebrating 20 Years
Eileen King – Contribution to Country Music
Liam Kelly – Celebrating 10 Years
Jim Devine & Band – Celebrating 10 Years
Susan McCann – NICMA’S Official Ambassador
Hugo Duncan – Lifetime Achievement Award
Photos by Vincent Loughran
