Country music stateside has often adopted terms of royalty in relation to its major stars. Various ladies have worn the crown of country queen down through the years, while the title king of country has been reserved for the chosen few. In the Armagh City Hotel on next Monday night, 10 November, the Northern Ireland Entertainment Awards Night will feature its share of Irish country royalty.

The title of queen of country rests easy on the shoulders of Philomena Begley. The lady from Pomeroy is among the performers and award recipients at this major event, which is hosted by Irish Country Sound/Farmers Journal and The Phil Mack Country Show, in association with the Armagh City Hotel.

It promises to be a great night as many of the major names from the country music circuit descend on Armagh for a show that looks set to attract huge interest from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

“I suppose when you are around for 51 years performing on stages and the people are still looking for you, it’s not bad really. Sure it’s even better when they still want to present you with awards at this stage,” jokes Philomena Begley.

“It’s an amazing thing to say but I don’t think I have ever been as much in demand as in the last three years. And I am probably enjoying the whole scene even better now. I don’t have the worries of carrying a big band. I just go on stage with whatever musicians are playing and there is no pressure at all on me. It gives me great time to interact with people, share some memories and sing some of the songs that I love performing all through the years.”

Philomena says the country scene has really lifted in the last few years again and it is good to see so many young people coming on board.

“For a few years, we were missing a generation of young people but that has all changed, especially here in the North. So many young people are going to the studios and recording country albums. There will always be demand for good country music.”

Susan McCann from Newry is also among the performers and award recipients on the show. Her first big break on the country circuit came back in 1977 when she recorded Big Tom Is Still The King, a song that went to No 1 in the Irish charts and helped to make her a household name. Over the years she has toured extensively all over Ireland and the UK, as well as in various parts of Europe and the US.

One of her special performances was at the Florida Strawberry Fair where among the guests was former US president George Bush Sr.

“Country music has been very good to me,” says Susan. “It has taken me to so many parts of the words, so many wonderful places, and I have met so many great people. A lot of people still have a great fondness for my early album from the ’Blaney Years era. That was a truly a golden era for country music.

She agrees with Philomena and says demand for country music has soared over the last few years.

“I present a two-hour Sunday show across the Q Radio network where I also interview some of the well-known people on the country circuit. I must say I love doing the radio shows and they give me a great connection with the people and the scene in general. Of course, I still love to go on stage and do what I have been doing down the years.”

Other ladies being honoured on the night include Muriel Day from Co Down, who was Ireland’s first female representative in Eurovision in 1969. Kathy Kane from Antrim is direct from the real traditional genre of country, while Lisa McHugh will also be flying the flag for the ladies of country at our big night.

We better not forget the gentlemen who will be providing some of the best in country music throughout the night. Among the award winners are Derek Ryan, Robert Mizzell, Declan Nerney, Jim Devine, Gene Stuart, John Glenn, Johnny Brady, the Indians, Billy McFarland, John McNicholl, Stephen Smyth, Tony Kerr, Pat McKenna, Sean Wilson and Tony Mac, Farmer Dan, Ben Troy, Showbud and Paul Kelly.

The Conquerors and The Ryan Turner Band are the featured musicians on the night. One or two surprises are also planned. Among the comperes are Hugo Duncan, Phil Mack, Lisa Stanley, Trevor Campbell and Sean Wallace.

The Irish Farmers Journal and The Phil Mack Country Show are delighted to be associated with this major show. This will truly be a night when country comes home to the heartlands and patrons can look forward to a very special occasion in the Armagh City Hotel.

For tickets for the Northern Ireland Entertainment Awards Night (which cost £25/€30), call 0044-2837-518888.