Downtown Country’s Big T wins big at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards

The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards celebrated the best of Ireland’s country stars last week at the Armagh City Hotel.

A host of local artists were nominated and won on the night, with categories including ‘Best Album’, ‘Best Country Duo’ and even ‘The Biggest Ego.’

The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards are extra special as they’re voted for by the public!

Downtown Country’s very own radio legend Trevor Campbell was honoured on the night, winning ‘Favourite Radio Presenter’ for the fourth year running.

One of the earliest voices on Downtown Radio, Big T has been broadcasting for over 40 years.

He was one of the original line-up of presenters which included Candy Divine, John Paul Ballintine and Michael 'Hendi' Henderson.

The evening raised £2250 in voluntary donations for the Southern Area Hospice Newry.

Check out the full list of winners of the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2024 Voted by the Public

Best Male Artist - Derek Ryan

Best Female Artist - Cliona

Best Single - 'The Way I Am' The Tumbling Paddies

Best Album - Derek Ryan

Authentic Country Vocalist - John Rafferty

Best Music Video - Calin Joe 'Dream to be a Superstar'

Best Live Band - Keltic Storm

Best Live Country Music Venue - The Ryandale Hotel

The Brian Coll Male Newcomer Award - Cailin Joe

Female Newcomer - Amber Campbell

Best Country Duo - Thomas Maguire and Fhiona Ennis

Best Songwriter - Derek Ryan

The Biggest Ego - Hugo Duncan

Best Backing Band - Country Harmony

Favourite Radio Presenter - Big T

Favourite Comedy Artist - Gary Gamble

Best Tribute Act - Cash Returns

Favourite Country Gospel Artist - Owen Mac

Services to Charity - Andrew McMurdie

The Gene Stuart Inspirational Award - Gavin Gribben

Sexiest Male Artist - Lee Matthews

Most Glamorous Female Artist - Cliona

Favourite Compere - Malcolm McDowell

Irelands Favourite Country Star - Claudia Buckley

Presentations:

Hall of Fame - Billy McFarland and Margo O’Donnell

In recognition of 60 Year's - Declan Nerney

In recognition of 60 Year's - John McNicholl & Band

Celebrating 20 Year's - Eileen King

Contribution to Country Music - Liam Kelly

Celebrating 10 Year's - Jim Devine & Band

Celebrating 10 Year's - Susan McCann

NICMA’S Official Ambassador - Hugo Duncan

Lifetime Achievement Award (in recognition of their contribution to the industry) - Steve Bloor Media, Sean Wallace, Sunday Life Newspaper

How to listen to Downtown Country:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for Country music, Downtown Country on online, on the Downtown Radio app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Downtown Country’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the best Irish and American country music, from Victoria Quinn in the morning, to Big T’s legendary evening Country show.