HUNDREDS of thousands tuned into the second annual Irish Post Country Music Awards on Tuesday to watch some of the greatest Irish country and folk artists do what they do best.
Broadcast live on TG4 and Facebook, this year's IPCMA's gathered some of the genre's best-known names at The Millennium Forum in Derry for what RTÉ lauded as "a momentous celebration of country music".
Susan McCann, deservedly nicknamed the 'First Lady of Irish country’, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award on the night.
Susan McCann was handed a Lifetime Achievement Award (Image: Jim McCafferty)The Armagh songstress, who has sung for former US Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, was honoured for her achievements in the industry over more than four decades.
There were double honours for Carlow singer Derek Ryan who took home the awards for Best Country Male and Best Country Songwriter, while Tyrone songstress Cliona Hagan was named Best Country Female.
Elsewhere, Omagh trio The Ward Sisters were named Best Country Newcomer, Olivia Douglas was awarded Best Country Video for 'Leaving Tipperary', Lisa McHugh won Best Country Single for 'Who I Am', and Philomena Begley took home Best Country Album for 'My Life, My Music, My Memories'.
Cliona Hagan won Best Country Female (Image: Jim McCafferty)THE IRISH POST COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS 2018 - AND THE WINNERS ARE...
- Best Country Newcomer Award: The Ward Sisters
- Best Country Video Award 2018: Olivia Douglas - 'Leaving Tipperary'
- Best Country Female Award 2018: Cliona Hagan
- Best Country Male Award 2018: Derek Ryan
- Best Country Single Award 2018: Lisa McHugh - 'Who I Am'
- Best Country Album Award 2018: Philomena Begley - 'My Life, My Music, My Memories'
- Best Country Songwriter Award 2018: Derek Ryan
- Lifetime Achievement Award 2018: Susan McCann
