The first Northern Ireland Entertainment Awards show, in association with Country Sound in the Irish Farmers Journal, The Phil Mack Country Show on Sky 191 and the Armagh City Hotel, was a resounding success.

This was a show that brought together a combination of new and emerging singers, those who are already well-established and some of those special names who have been at the heart of country music in the Ulster region over the decades.

The Ryan Turner Band, augmented by Texan fiddle player John Permenter and British steel guitarist Sarah Jory, provided some excellent music for all the acts during the opening half. The Indians, winners of the Most Versatile Act Award, got the night off to a flying start.

Paul Kelly from Donegal received the Rising Star Award, while the Country Duo Ward winners were Sean Wilson and Tony Mac. The Female Artist of The Year accolade was presented to Lisa McHugh, while Derek Ryan won Male Artist of the Year. The Entertainer of the Year went to Robert Mizzell.

Kathy Kane from Antrim received the Country Flame Award. Showbud, comprising of Seamus McMahon (Mainliners) and Robert Brown, were hugely popular winners of the Social Dancing Band Award.

Susan McCann accepted an award for Enduring Services to Country Music, while 16 year old Ben Troy from Magheracloone, Co Monaghan, was honoured with the Stairway to Stardom accolade.

Billy McFarland from Co Antrim was a worthy recipient of the Country Brass Award. So too was country legend Gene Stuart, one of the real stalwarts of the scene, who was presented with the Country Treasure Award. Country Folk winner Pat McKenna, Maghera, accepted his award on stage. The winner of the Northern Star Award, Jim Devine, was unable to attend.

The Conquerors provided some splendid music for all the acts during the second half.

Great receptions were accorded to Declan Nerney (Country Ambassador), Philomena Begley (Golden Jubilee), Stephen Smyth (All Rounder), Farmer Dan (Barry Doyle) who received the Farmer Country Award, John Glenn (Country Treasure), John McNicholl (Spirit of Country) and Johnny Brady, who was honoured with the Performer of The Year Award.

Tony Kerr from Ballymena, a brilliant concert performer, was presented with the Gentleman of Country Award. Muriel Day, the first lady to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest, was honoured with the Madrid to Armagh Award.

Two other special highlights on this truly memorable night in Armagh were the presentation of the Hall of Fame Award to Rose McBride, who accepted it on behalf of her husband Big Tom McBride.

There was also a surprise in store for Fr Brian D’Arcy, who was called on stage to accept the Friendship Award, reflecting his many years of friendship not just with members of the showbusiness fraternity, but with all shades and strands of community life.

Hugo Duncan of BBC Radio Ulster, who also performed a guest spot, was presented with the Radio Entertainer Award, while Big T (Trevor Campbell) of Downtown Radio in Belfast was chosen as the recipient of the Radio Days and Country Roads Award. Jordan Mogey, the 20-year-old emerging star from Ballymoney, was a guest performer on the show, while Lisa Stanley also sang a number on the night.

Sean Wallace, Hugo Duncan, Phil Mack and Lisa Stanley joined us in compering the night’s activities.

All the honourees received framed sketched personal portraits by young Belfast artist John Cross, who excelled in his work.

A lot of work and planning went into organising this major show and it was great to see that the huge audience gave the whole venture a firm seal of approval. This was a night to cherish in the Armagh City Hotel.