It’s a knockout night for Ulsterman and boxing legend at Ulster Tatler Awards ‘Clones Cyclone’ Barry McGuigan celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award
LOCAL boxing legend Barry McGuigan received a standing ovation in Belfast last night when he picked up the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award at the Ulster Tatler Awards 2014.
In a year that has seen McGuigan firmly establish himself as an inspirational mentor and manager to young talent such as newly crowned Super Bantamweight Champion Carl Frampton, last night it was Barry’s turn to step back into the spotlight in recognition of a glittering professional career that saw the ‘Clones Cyclone’ win no less than 32 out of 35 fights.
With world titles such as WBA featherweight champion and European featherweight champion under his belt, Barry McGuigan raised the ceiling for young sports people of Ulster and has served as an inspiration for the next generation of boxing hopefuls throughout the province.
BBC boxing commentator Jim Neilly read the citation for McGuigan’s award to a full house of more than 400 guests at Belfast City Hall, reliving the amazing career to date of the Ulsterman who has brought pride and trophies to the region for nearly 40 years.
“Over the last 38 years Barry McGuigan has come full circle. From being a raw youngster he became a world champion and has now been instrumental in steering Carl Frampton to similar heights.” said Neilly, who has been commentating on the sport for 33 years.
Ulster Tater editor Chris Sherry said that McGuigan was a more than worthy winner of the evening’s showcase award which has been won in previous years by local legends Dame Mary Peters, James Galway, Brian Friel, Phil Coulter, Gloria Hunniford and Terri Hooley.
“Barry McGuigan is one of our true greats, and his world beating achievements in his chosen field are beyond doubt,” said Mr Sherry.
“In 1985 he gave us one of those moments that we will never forget. Unbelievably around 10 days ago he was instrumental in giving us another night to remember. He is a worthy recipient of the 2014 Ulster Tatler Lifetime Achievement Award.” concluded Chris.
Avenue One picked up Health & Beauty Salon of the yr sponsored by #Linwoods @ulstertatlermag #utawards pic.twitter.com/k9siMxcoII
— Linwoods (@LinwoodsFoods) September 18, 2014
Other big winners on the night included World No.1 golfing superstar Rory McIlroy who was named Sportsperson of the Year after winning two major championships this summer. Rory’s award in a hotly- contested category that also included Belfast’s new boxing world champion Carl Frampton, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, champion jockey Tony McCoy and Ulster rugby star Andrew Trimble.
Hollywood heartthrob Jamie Dornan made it a Holywood double by winning the Celebrity of the Year.
Jamie is set for a return to our TV screens when the second season of The Fall is aired in the autumn before the launch of the hotly anticipated 50 Shades of Grey in February, in which Jamie plays the lead role. Samina Dornan accepted the award on Jamie’s behalf.
Winners in other various categories included Millars Shoe Store who won the Fashion Boutique of the Year; Adrian Interior Furnishings who lifted Interior Store of the Year; Battisti Hairdressing who were presented with Hairdressing Salon of the Year; Avenue One Face & Body Clinic who was named Health and Beauty Salon/Spa of the Year; 18 Dental who was awarded with Cosmetic Practice/Clinic of the Year; OX Belfast who received Restaurant of the Year; Galgorm Resort and Spa who achieved Hotel of the Year; The Boom Foundation and Stepping Stones NI who collected Charity of the Year, Colin Williams of Sixteen South earned himself Business Man of the Year; Jacquelyn Stewart, Squeeze Juice Cafe who was named Business Woman of the Year and Indigo Ivy who achieved New Business Start Up of the Year.
Ulster Tatler editor Chris Sherry talks about the success of the event.
“We are absolutely delighted with the outstanding success of this year’s awards which highlighted the wealth of home grown talent at our disposal,” said Chris. “I want to personally thank the public for giving their support to the awards by nominating an incredible array of people in each of the categories,” he continued.
“Congratulations to both the winners and all those shortlisted. I felt proud to have such an amazing line-up in the room at the same time.” Chris added.
Shortlists in each category were compiled from votes cast by members of the public while dedicated panels of judges had the unenviable task of selecting the winners in the hotly-contested categories.
Ulster Tatler Awards 2014 Winners
Health & Beauty Salon/Spa of the Year
Avenue One Face & Body Clinic
Interiors Store of the Year
Adrian Interior Furnishings
Fashion Boutique of the Year
Millars Shoe Store
Hairdressing Salon of the Year
Battisti Hairdressing
Cosmetic Practice/Clinic of the Year
18 Dental
New Business Start Up of the Year
Indigo Ivy
Business Man of the Year
Colin Williams, Sixteen South
Business Woman of the Year
Jacquelyn Stewart, Squeeze Juice Cafe
Hotel of the Year
Galgorm Resort and Spa
Restaurant of the Year
OX Belfast
Sportsperson of the Year
Rory McIlroy
Celebrity of the Year
Jamie Dornan
Lifetime Achievement Award
Barry McGuigan
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