Galway cleans up at Hot Country Awards

A trio of Galway’s finest country stars – and the radio presenter who has for so long sung their praises – were all among the winners at the Galway Crystal sponsored Hot Country TV Awards concert in Cavan recently.

It was a case of double delight for the Buckley household in Athenry when singing stars Jimmy and his daughter Claudia Buckley both won awards.

Portumna singer Mike Denver was also among the recipients of a Galway Crystal/Hot Country Award as was Clare singer Clodagh Lawlor.

And Valerie Hughes, the popular presenter of the Wagon Wheel on Galway Bay FM, got the radio award for her contribution to Irish Country Music.

Other award winners included Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Philomena Begley, Cliona Hagan, Michael English and RTE’s Mary Kennedy.

The winners were presented with their awards at a gala concert in the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan.