INDIVIDUALS and groups behind restoration projects at some of the north's most culturally important and historic buildings have been celebrated.
The Heritage Angel Awards returned following a year's break to Belfast City Hall, where a range of prizes for inspiring projects were handed out in a ceremony hosted by former BBC broadcaster Wendy Austin.
The awards are delivered by Ulster Architectural Heritage with the backing of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, and aim to "celebrate unsung angels of local heritage" who have "rescued an historic building or site, worked as craftspeople or apprentices, or recorded and interpreted a historic place".
Among this year's categories was a public vote in association with The Irish News, which allowed people to choose their favourite of 18 projects shortlisted in all categories.
This was won by Martin McKenna, a parish member of St Macartan's Chapel in Augher, Co Tyrone, who led the restoration of the building erected between 1838 and 1846, which is famous for its stained glass windows.
Irish News director Anne Sykes said more than 4,000 votes had been cast and praised the "incredible care" and "complete dedication" of Mr McKenna and others on the team as "custodians of an important piece of Irish architecture and art history".
Mr McKenna personally researched the best materials to protect the chapel's windows, which were designed by Joshua Clarke & Sons, and said the project had been a "labour of love".
Also appearing at the event was Belfast Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl, who said the awards were a "fantastic opportunity to celebrate our built environment and heritage".
Category winners included Cushendun Building Preservation Trust - The Old Church Centre, Cushendun, which claimed the Best Rescue of a Historic Building or Place – Under £1Million award.*
Meanwhile, Peter Scott of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland won the Best Craftsmanship or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project category for his work in restoring Whitehead Railway Museum.
The Best Maintenance of a Historic Building or Place prize was granted to the owners of Killymoon Castle on the outskirts of Cookstown. The Coulter family have overseen numerous resoration projects at the early 19th century building - built on the site of an original 1671 castle - which is now a popular wedding venue.
A full list of the 2021 winners is available online at https://heritageangelawards-ni.org.uk.
Chair of Ulster Architectural Heritage, David Johnston, said the organisation had been "truly overwhelmed with the quantity and quality of entries received".
*Correction made 29th Nov 2021. Nigel Brady was wrongly called as the winner of the under £1m category. The winner was Cushendun Building Preservation Trust - The Old Church Centre, Cushendun.
