Northern Ireland

Football heroes past and present score prestigious Ulster Tatler awards

James Nesbitt pictured arriving at Belfast City Hall for the UlsterTatler Awards. Picture by Declan Roughan
James Nesbitt pictured arriving at Belfast City Hall for the UlsterTatler Awards. Picture by Declan Roughan James Nesbitt pictured arriving at Belfast City Hall for the UlsterTatler Awards. Picture by Declan Roughan

NORTHERN Ireland's football stars, past and present, were honoured at the Ulster Tatler Awards.

Gerry Armstrong and Michael O’Neill were at Belfast City Hall to receive their awards, as well as actor James Nesbitt.

Mr Armstrong, whose footballing career took him to Tottenham Hotspur, Watford and Real Mallorca as well as 63 appearances for Northern Ireland, was honoured with the lifetime achievement award.

Current Northern Ireland football manager Michael O'Neill, who recently guided the team to Euro 2016 and subsequently to the final 16, fought off stiff competition from Rory McIlroy, Carl Frampton, Ciara Mageean and Rory Best to be crowned sportsperson of the year.

The celebration of Northern Ireland football went even further as Michael O’Neill also picked up a special merit award on behalf of the entire Northern Ireland football team to mark their achievements in Euro 2016.

Actor James Nesbitt, who recently returned to television screens in the popular drama Cold Feet, picked up the prize for celebrity of the year.

The Ulster Tatler Awards celebrates the achievements of Northern Ireland individuals and businesses with last night's event also marking 50 years since the first edition of the magazine hit the shelves of local newsagents.

Ulster Tatler editor Chris Sherry said: "It has been a great year for football in Northern Ireland, with Michael O’Neill’s boys and their fans doing us proud in France and raising the spirits of everyone at home with their performance.

"Therefore it’s no surprise that our readers and judges have voted Michael O’Neill, deservedly, as sportsperson of the year.

"It is also extremely appropriate this year that one of our footballing greats is honoured in the shape of Gerry Armstrong.

"His stellar career as a player, coach and broadcaster make Gerry more than worthy of recognition as a key figure of life in Northern Ireland."

Among the businesses and organisations to win awards last night were Corick House Hotel and Spa, Oasis Travel, Tiny Life and The Muddlers Club.