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Belfasttelegraph

News [1]
Opinion [2]
Business [3]
Sport [4]
Life [5]
Entertainment [7]
Travel [8]
Sunday Life [9]

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Spirit of N. Ireland Awards

July 2020

Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland COVID heroes. Via Wings support worker Kate Anderson. Picture Colm O'Reilly Sunday Life

Angels of the north: More fabulous frontline workers and brave volunteers showing right spirit

This week we are honouring five fabulous frontline workers and volunteers who have helped us all through the coronavirus crisis.

June 2020

Fab four: Our tribute to those showing the right spirit in battle against coronavirus

Meet this week's fantastic four Covid-19 heroes who have raised a lot more than smiles during long months of lockdown.

Dr Martin Duffy Consultant Anaesthia ICU with his Spirit of Northern Ireland COVID heroes award. Picture: Colm O'Reilly

Here's to the heroes: Our special Spirit of NI awards to honour stars of Covid battle

There is no end to the exceptional people who have gone above and beyond for their community during the Covid crisis.

Spirit of Northern Ireland winner Chloe Stevenson (centre) stands with her mum Nicola Stevenson and nanny Sandra Fox as she is presented with a certificate by Mandy Cudlip, Senior Personal Banker at Ulster Bank at Springhil

The Covid-19 heroes raising spirits in Northern Ireland

This week we honour four more unsung Covid-19 heroes who have gone the extra mile to show us the real spirit of Northern Ireland.

May 2020

Spirit Of Northern Ireland Awards 2020 winner Ashlene Kelly from Moy with her twin sons Alfie and Joey aged five. Picture Colm O'Reilly Sunday Life 28-05-2020.

Coronavirus: Meet Northern Ireland's unsung heroes going above and beyond during this time of crisis

Meet the first of our unsung Covid-19 heroes with the real spirit of Northern Ireland who have gone above and beyond to help us.

Nominate your heroes of the Covid-19 health crisis

Help us celebrate the heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic showing the true Spirit of Northern Ireland during lockdown.

June 2019

Watch: Snow Patrol light up Spirit of Northern Ireland awards

While the Spirit of Northern Ireland awards was a night to celebrate those unsung heroes of our community, rockers Snow Patrol helped light up the occasion with a special performance.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 5th June 2019 -

Helena Phelan pictured at The Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards with Specsavers in Titanic Belfast.

Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards winners 2019

Northern Ireland’s unsung heroes who have worked tirelessly to transform communities or help people have been honoured at the annual Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards.

May 2019

Pictured L-R actor Ian McElhinney, UTV journalist Rita Fitzgerald, actress Bronagh Waugh, Sunday Life editor Martin Breen, Ulster & Ireland rugby captain Rory Best, and Tony McGinn Store Director of Specsavers Abbey Centre

Judges put Best feet forward for Northern Ireland's unsung champions

Ireland and Ulster rugby captain Rory Best has joined forces with local actors to pay tribute to Northern Ireland's unsung heroes.

April 2019

Snow Patrol: Northern Ireland has so many unsung heroes

Snow Patrol are to pay tribute to our unsung heroes with a special performance at this year's Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards with Specsavers.

Winners of the Spirit of Health award, the Eating Disorder Team from CAMHS at Antrim Area Hospital. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Mum thankful for mental health unit who helped daughter's anorexia battle - now's the last chance to nominate your unsung heroes

A small and dedicated team of health professionals who help young people with eating disorders were recognised as our Spirit of Health winners at last year's Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards with Specsavers.

Receiving the award for Caring Spirit on behalf of her and her husband Alistair, is Pearl Brown from Warrenpoint.
Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Couple who adopted special needs kids recognised for their devotion - now it's time to nominate more unsung heroes

A very special couple who adopted seven children with special needs, and have devoted their lives to caring for them round the clock, won the Caring Spirit award in the 2018 Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards in partnership with Specsavers.

Winner of the Spirit of Youth award, Emily Magee (8) from Co. Fermanagh, is presented with her trophy by Eamonn McFadden, from category sponsor Harvey Norman and 'Derry Girl' Jamie Lee O'Donnell.
Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Emily raises thousands in memory of little brother who died in farm accident - now it's time to nominate more unsung heroes

She is only 10 but Emily Magee has found a way to cope with heartache by helping others.

March 2019

Winner of the Overcoming Adversity award, Peter Dolan from Omagh
Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Father's tribute to son in memory of young man killed by drunk driver - now it's time to nominate more unsung heroes

Hundreds of people are preparing to pound the roads in Omagh next month in what has become an annual tribute to a young man whose memory lives on in the good work of his family.

Alex McMahon from Newry was given an award for Special Recognition by the judges of the Spirit of Northern Ireland awards. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Supermahon: Alex pulls out all the stops to help disabled siblings - now it's time to nominate more unsung heroes

Life has changed enormously for Newry child Alex McMahon since he stepped on to the stage to pick up the Special Recognition gong at last year's Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards ceremony.

Fire-fighter Noel McKee was named 999 Hero at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards.
Picture Colm O'Reilly Sunday Life

Ex-firefighter Noel's burning ambition to help - now it's time to nominate your unsung heroes

A veteran Belfast fire fighter known for going above and beyond the call of duty was our 999 Hero Award winner last year.

Paul Johnston Spirit of Sport winner from Monkstown Boxing Club (Photo by Colm O'Reilly, Sunday Life 05-03-2019)

Boxing coach who helped hundreds of kids... now it's time to nominate your unsung heroes

A humble and dedicated north Belfast boxing coach who is seen as a hero to youth in his community picked up our Spirit of Sport Award last year.

Fiona Simpson from Limavady was named Charity Champion at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Charity champ and ex-teacher devotes her time to help vulnerable children... now it's time to nominate your unsung heroes

Retired school teacher Fiona Simpson has worked with children all her life and is now devoting her retirement to helping the most vulnerable youngsters in society.

February 2019

Selfless pals set up Community First to help people in need - now it's time for you to nominate your unsung heroes

They have become the modern day saviours of struggling families on Belfast's Shankill Road, a go-to group o f good Samaritans who never turn away anyone in need.

Specsavers Tony McGinn and Sean McCauley with Martin Breen, Pamela Ballantine and Marc Mallett launch the 2019 Spirit Of Northern Ireland awards.

Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2019: We’re looking for your nominations

The search is on for Northern Ireland’s unsung heroes who have changed your life or the lives of people in your local community.

April 2018

James Burrows, Ryan Clayton and Louis Walsh pictured at the 2018 Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Stars shine in night of magic at Sunday Life Spirit of NI Awards 2018

Stars of sport, stage and screen showed their support for Northern Ireland's unsung heroes in a glittering ceremony on Friday night.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 20th April 2018 -

Ian McElhinney and Jamie-Lee O'Donnell with fans at the 2018 Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards

Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Sunday Life Spirit of NI Awards 2018: Unsung heroes honoured at gala ceremony

Unsung heroes who have made a difference to the lives of people across Northern Ireland were honoured at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards with Specsavers.

Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards winners announced during gala ceremony

The Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2018 in association with Specsavers have taken place at Belfast's Crowne Plaza hotel.

Best Parties Ever: Christmas parties in Belfast will never be the same again

Best Parties Ever, the UK’s largest Christmas party provider, has announced that it is expanding its portfolio by launching in Belfast this Christmas, taking its famed festive parties to the S13 Warehouse.

January 2018

Martin Breen Sunday Life Editor is pictured with Stuart Brown Specsavers,Tony McGinn Store Director Specsavers Abbeycentre, Pamela Ballantine and Eamonn Holmes at Havelock house in Belfast

Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2018: We’re looking for your nominations

It’s again time to give our unsung heroes the recognition they deserve as we launch this year’s Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards.

June 2017

Sunday Life Spirit Of Northern Ireland Awards 2017
Eamonn Holmes at the Culoden Hotel.
Picture Colm O'Reilly Sunday Life Spirit Of Northern Ireland Awards 16-06-2017

Spirit of NI Awards: Celebs fly in to support local heroes

Stars of sport, stage and screen showed their support for Northern Ireland’s unsung heroes in a glittering ceremony on Friday night.

OVERALL WINNER
The Overall Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland winner 2017 is Willie Gregg from Coleraine. Presenting Willie with his award is Martin Breen, editor of the Sunday Life, Brian OÕKane, Chairman, Specsavers Northern Ireland and member of the judging panel, Eamonn Holmes. Willie was one of ten winners one the night which was held at the Culloden Resort and Spa.

Local heroes honoured at Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards

Inspirational local people were recognised at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards with Specsavers on Friday night.

April 2017

Honoured: Terry receiving his sports award from boxing hero Carl Frampton.

Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2017: "Sports award made me proud as punch"

It was a passion for helping others which saw our 2016 Spirit of Sport Award winner Terry McCorran set up a boxing club with virtually no equipment and no money 11 years ago.

March 2017

Terry McCorran and Martin McGuinness at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards sponsored by Supersavers at the Culloden Estate & Spa resort in Holywood.

Spirit of Northern Ireland: 'Sports award made me proud as punch'