'Stardust' TV drama scoops four awards

The television dramatisation of the Stardustfire in 1981 in which 48 lives were lost was the big winner at last night's Irish Film and Television Awards, taking four of the five gongs for which it was nominated.

An independent inquiry into the tragedy should now be held, according to Ger Ryan who was named best actress in a television role for her performance in Stardust. The independently produced drama also won the best single drama award, while Ruth Bradley won an award for best actress in a supporting role, saying the event should never be forgotten. Stephen O'Connell received an award for best editing on St ardust.

It was a starry (sort of) night. Bill O'Herlihy beat weather man Martin King for the hotly contested TV personality of the year award.

We'd been promised Brosnan, Boyle and Byrne. Brosnan (Pierce) couldn't make it, Byrne (Gabriel and Gaybo) did arrive and Boyle (Lara Flynn) talked about the Irish weather.

Actor Gabriel Byrne said Gay Byrne, whom he presented with a lifetime achievement award, was a "legend who taught us about who we were, who we are now and where we are going".

With a nod to the 150 protesters from the film and television industry lined up with placards outside the venue - "RTÉ make rubbish programmes" was one of the most memorable - he also said the Irish film and television industry needed to take a long, hard look at itself and the kind of films it was attracting.

The best film award went to the Civil War drama The Wind that Shakes the Barley. Its director Ken Loach was in fine form. "The British are the enemy," he said in some refreshing non-sequin related red carpet banter.

Neil Jordan claimed the best director award for Breakfast on Pluto, while Cillian Murphy was named best actor for his performance in that film.

For those interested in style here are some of the important bits from last night's red carpet. Former Miss World Rosanna Davidson wore a pink belly button stud to match her hot-pink halter dress. And Ardal O'Hanlon's wife Melanie was the Helena Bonham Carter/Bjork of the awards with a purple and red ensemble.