Derry Girls star Ian McElhinney has been honoured at the Ulster Tatler Awards, picking up a prestigious Lifetime Achievement accolade.
The 17th annual Ulster Tatler Awards celebration took place at Belfast City Hall on Thursday night, with McElhinney’s achievement taking top bill.
Born in Belfast and married to playwright Marie Jones, Ian received the award in front of a standing ovation of more than 400 guests at the ceremony, which was hosted by UTV presenter Pamela Ballantine.
Ian McElhinney, Lifetime Achievement winner, with his wife, Marie Jones, at Thursday night’s Ulster Tatler Awards in Belfast City Hall. Pic: Stephen Davison
The star of TV blockbusters such as Game Of Thrones and Derry Girls joins a growing list of local luminaries who have picked up the award in the past, including Lady Mary Peters, playwright Brian Friel and musician Phil Coulter.
In a career spanning more than 40 years, McElhinney has established himself as one of NI’s most acclaimed and distinguished actors.
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After leaving his teaching career at the age of 30, he moved home from England to embark on a full-time acting career at a time when the Troubles were raging.
Ulster Tatler managing director Chris Sherry said McElhinney was a “prodigious talent”.
“He has contributed hugely to our cultural life, not only here in Northern Ireland, but also much further afield,” he said.
“He has graced our screens and appeared on theatre stages around the world, gaining global recognition and much critical acclaim along the way.
“His portfolio of work is hugely impressive. You name it, he’s done it: live theatre, popular TV drama series, sci-fi, comedy, critically acclaimed movies, the list goes on, everything from small-scale productions to blockbusters.
“He has also enjoyed considerable success as a director, and with his rich, distinctive voice, he is always in demand for voice-over work for animated movies and video game characters.
“With his imposing presence, whether on stage or on screen, he has an uncanny ability to capture the essence of the character he is playing.
“He’s done everything from Shakespeare to local drama, and has contributed enormously to the Arts in Northern Ireland.
“I can think of no more deserving recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award than our very own Ian McElhinney.”
Cliftonville’s Irish Cup-winning manager Jim Magilton is congratulated by Pamela Ballantine. Pic: Stephen Davison
Other big winners on the night included Newtownards gymnast Rhys McClenaghan who picked up the Sportsperson of the Year Award after winning the Gold Medal in the men’s pommel horse at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
The Ulster Tatler Special Merit Award 2024 was presented to football club Cliftonville FC after lifting the Irish Cup for the first time since 1979.
Cliftonville manager, and former Northen Ireland international, Jim Magilton received the award on the night, along with a congratulatory video from Cliftonville superfan and local TV star Tim McGarry.
The Celebrity of the Year award was won by Cool FM’s Rebecca McKinney, while Belfast ‘celebrity chef’ Paul Rankin was recognized for his Outstanding Contribution to the Food Industry in Northern Ireland.
Originally from Ballywalter in Co Down, Rankin trained in London with the world-renowned chef Albert Roux, before returning to Belfast to open his first restaurant Roscoff, which went on to become the first restaurant here to win the prestigious Michelin Star.