‘GODFATHER OF PUNK’ TERRI HOOLEY CELEBRATED AT ULSTER TATLER AWARDS

Pamela Ballantine celebrates with Terri Hooley at last night’s glittering Ulster Tatler People of the Year Awards at Belfast City Hall. It was double celebration for Terri who was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the Arts Personality of the Year award. PIC: Stephen Davidson

THERE was double celebration for Northern Ireland’s ‘Godfather of Punk’, Terri Hooley, as he scooped two awards at last night’s Ulster Tatler People of the Year Awards including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award, rounding off an unforgettable year for the music supremo.

In a year that included the release of his critically acclaimed film biopic Good Vibrations, Terri also picked up the Arts Personality of the Year award, beating off competition from actor Richard Dormer, who gave an outstanding performance playing Hooley on the silver screen, as well as local artist Terry Bradley and author Lucy Caldwell.

Ulster Tatler editor Chris Sherry read the citation for Hooley’s award to a full house of more than 400 guests at Belfast City Hall, reliving the amazing career to date of the Belfast man who has brought music to the city for 35 years.

“He is an influential promoter of Northern Irish music and founder of one of the most important record labels on these islands,” said Chris.

“More importantly he is a record shop owner, opening his first shop in 1978 at a very troubled time for this city. The shop quickly became a neutral space for young people from all sections of the city to meet at a time when there were few such places. At a time of darkness he shone a light,” he continued.

Chris reminded the audience of the musical icons that have championed Terri over the years including DJ John Peel, local superstar DJ David Holmes and Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, as well as rave reviews in the film world following the release of his film biopic this year from revered film critic Mark Kermode and Hollywood director Ron Howard.

“He is one of life’s survivors and a total maverick,” added Chris.

Terri Hooley accepted the award to thunderous applause.

Other big winners on the night included The Apprentice 2013 winner Leah Totton who was named Celebrity of the Year and Cliftonville manager Tommy Breslin who received the Sportsperson of the Year award.

Winners in other various categories included Kris Turnbull of Kris Turnbull Ltd who won the Business Man of the Year Award; Brian McMonagle of The Brewer’s House who took the Chef of the Year Award; Heather Boyle from A Slice of Heaven, who lifted the Business Woman of the Year Award, Derek Patterson of The Plough, Hillsborough who was named as the Hotelier / Publican of the Year and Ruth Wilson of Beaufort Interiors who was presented with the Interior Designer of the Year Award.

Ulster Tatler editor Chris Sherry was delighted with the success of the event.

“The awards are now in their sixth year and each year just keeps getting bigger and better,” said Chris. “I am absolutely thrilled with the phenomenal success of last night’s event.”

“It was a real celebration of the highly-talented people we have here in Northern Ireland and the readers of Ulster Tatler and the public in general really gave their wholehearted support to the awards by nominating an incredible array of people in each of the categories,” he continued.

Leah Totton arriveS at last night’s glittering Ulster Tatler People of the Year Awards at Belfast City Hall. The Apprentice 2013 winner was named Celebrity of the Year at the glitzy awards. PIC: Stephen Davidson

“I would personally like to congratulate both the winners and all those shortlisted in the various categories. My thanks go to everyone who made nominations, to the award judges and to our friends in the media without whom these awards just couldn’t take place,” Chris added.

The awards comprise 12 individual categories relating to life and lifestyles in Northern Ireland, from fashion to interior design, hairdressing to hospitality and from business to sport.

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.

The complete list of winners list is:

Health & Beauty Consultant of the Year

Kelly Steele – Malone Manor Skin Spa