There’s one fair county in Ireland with memories so glorious and grand.” The late Bridie Gallagher made the song, The Boys from County Armagh, famous all those years ago. So it is to Armagh we head for the first Northern Ireland Entertainment Awards Show in association with Irish Country Sound and The Phil Mack Country Show (Sky 191) on Monday night, 10 November.

The Armagh City Hotel is all set to host what will be a truly glittering night.

Many of the top names on the Irish country circuit, as well as several hugely popular acts from the Ulster region, will be on stage in a show that is set to be the talk of the province.

With interest surging around the region, a sellout show looks on the cards.

The Irish Farmers Journal and Irish Country Sound prides itself on quality, service and reputation, and this major night in Armagh aims to maintain those high standards with a concert show that will inspire and delight all lovers of the country genre.

Among the award winners are Declan Nerney, Derek Ryan, Robert Mizzell, Johnny Brady, Jim Devine, Lisa McHugh, John McNicholl, The Indians, Stephen Smyth and Farmer Dan. The wonderful contributions to the country scene over many years by such legends as Gene Stuart, John Glenn, Philomena Begley and Susan McCann will be honoured on the night and all of them will feature on the show.

Billy McFarland, who has been a special favourite with many in the Ulster region for decades, is being honoured for his contribution down the years.

The Northern province is remarkable in its enduring legacy to country music. Each generation brings along its own new stars and fresh carriers of the flame. Tony Kerr and Pat McKenna from Antrim and Derry have bounded on to the scene in recent years, winning hearts with their amazing interpretation of both American and country folk songs.

Sean Wilson and Tony Mac will be close to home ground on the night, while Showbud, the hugely popular social dancing duo of Seamus McMahon (of The Mainliners) and Robert Brown, will make the short journey over from Castleblayney, as will young Ben Troy from Magheracloone.

Pride in tradition means a lot and one special achievement that will be honoured on the night is a presentation to Muriel Day, the first ever lady to represent Ireland in the Eurovision song contest in 1969.

Other major names will be joining us for the big night and we will be naming our Hall of Fame winner as well as some others in the closing days before the big show.

Sean Wallace, Hugo Duncan, Trevor Campbell (Big T), Phil Mack and Lisa Stanley will be part of the team of comperes on the night.

Kieran McAnallen from the Armagh City Hotel says they are delighted to be associated with this awards night.

“The Irish Farmers Journal and The Phil Mack Country Show are now rooted in the best traditions of country music. And all of us here at the City Hotel will ensure that all patrons will have a night to remember. The phones are hopping over the last few days and we are confident of a complete sellout on the night.

“We are honoured to be part of an occasion that pays respect to established stars as well as newcomers to the scene. In so many ways, this region is the heartbeat of country music. It is such a part of what we are.”

•Tickets cost £25 (or €30) and can be booked from the Armagh City Hotel on 0044-2837-518-888 as well as other outlets (see advert). The show starts at 7.30pm. CL