The cream of east Belfast are recognised at special awards
MORE than 200 people gathered last night to toast the achievements of people and companies in east Belfast.
BBC presenter Tara Mills hosted the second annual Eastside Awards, which are run in association with George Best Belfast City Airport.
Guests at the Stormont Hotel were entertained by musicians from Grosvenor Grammar School and treated to a performance by joint chamber choirs from Ashfield Girls High School and Dominican College.
The top accolade for Outstanding Contribution was awarded to former world champion kickboxer Billy Murray.
Judges said he put east Belfast on the world kickboxing map as his teaching and coaching now “instils truth, discipline and respect — traits which perfectly sum Billy up”.
Other winners included EastSide Visitor Centre, The Lamppost Cafe, Wood Floor Warehouse, Justin Mc- Minn of Street Soccer NI, EastSide Arts, teachers Alison Mungavin and Tracy Rossborough of Ashfield Girls High School, East Belfast Community Counselling Centre, Sweet Robyn’s Ltd, Little Wing Pizzeria, Parr Group, pupil Rebecca McKersie of Ashfield Girls High School and Michael Close, of Ledley Hall Boys and Girls Club.
Michelle Hatfield, director at George Best Belfast City Airport, said: “We are proud to once again support the Eastside Awards as principal sponsor and would like to warmly congratulate all the winners and shortlisted organisations.
“All of the nominees highlighted have contributed positively to the social, economic and community development of east Belfast.”
Jonathan McAlpin, chair of Eastside Awards Committee, said: “These awards are a fitting way to celebrate all that is great about east Belfast and in this second year the awards have again proven to be a magnificent success.”
For a full list of winners and pictures from the ceremony, see www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk