Celebrities turn out for The 31st Irish Post Awards!

The stars came out in force over the weekend to celebrate in style at The Irish Post’s annual awards ceremony. The best of Irish talent descended upon London’s Park Lane for the star-studded event of the year.

Over 400 people packed-out the grand ballroom of the Hilton Hotel to witness the glitzy occasion which was hosted by radio and television personality Eamonn Holmes.

Twelve awards were given to various recipients in recognition of success in their chosen field.

Irish music veteran and leader of The Chieftains Paddy Moloney scooped the award for Lifetime Achievement in Music while Belfast-born singer Brian Kennedy picked-up his award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Kildare musician Jack L was the winner of the 2007 Music Award.

The sporting world was well represented as former Irish international-footballer-turned-television-pundit Andy Townsend scooped the Sports Hall of Fame Award.

The Irish cricket team won the Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award for their success at this year’s World Cup when they beat favourites Pakistan on St. Patrick’s Day.

Journalist Fergal Keane won the TV and Radio Award while Dublin writer John Connolly picked up the Literature Award.

A Special Recognition Award went to construction giant John Murphy.

And Leitrim politician Pascal Mooney was given the Outstanding Contribution to The Irish Community Award for his long and continued work on behalf of the Irish in Britain.

His efforts on the issue of providing RTÉ to the Irish living in Britain gained him much-deserved recognition from hundreds of readers of The Irish Post.

The National Community Award went to the GAA stalwart John Gormley.

Funnyman Dara O’Briain made a guest appearance in support of his friend — fellow comedian Andrew Maxwell who was this year’s winner of the Comedy Award.

Irish-born chef Frank Coughlan scooped the Champion of Irish Food Award — a new category which was sponsored by Bord Bia.

Other sponsors included Vince Power Music Group, Powerday, Ardmore Construction, Aer Arann, Waterford Crystal and Tourism Ireland.

Each winner received a beautiful Waterford Crystal vase as part of their prize.