What began as an idea I conceived many years ago to increase our reach into every community in Northern Ireland has grown exponentially to become the highest-profile event in the awards calendar here. 

Our audience has taken the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards to their hearts as we showcase the very best of Northern Ireland.

We honour local unsung heroes in all corners of the region, creating a special relationship with our readers. We encompass as many different categories as possible including health, education, young people, persons with disabilities, those facing adversity, climate, sport, emergency services, and charity.

Each year, from February to June, Mediahuis launches a search for unsung heroes across Northern Ireland with a call for entries via our print titles, Web sites, social media, and our media partner at Cool FM radio station.

Ulster Bank generously headline sponsors the initiative, with more than a dozen other categories, and entertainment sponsors also support the prestigious event. It culminates with a gala awards ceremony at a five-star hotel.

Celebrating compassion

It’s an event devoid of cynicism. We have 400 people in a room from all strands of Northern Ireland society who are there to celebrate community and individual heroes who make a huge difference in the lives of others.

There is genuine gratitude that a newspaper publisher is putting the time, effort and money into honouring some of those in society who deserve a little bit of the spotlight:  

In 2024, there was barely a dry eye in the house for an award presented to Donna Magennis, a nurse at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. She developed such a special bond with one of her patients, 6-year-old Jonathan, that she remained in touch with his family after he tragically passed away, even helping the family fundraise for the ward which had cared for him.

Pupils and staff at a local school were honoured for their quick thinking, which saved the life of one of the school’s students after he collapsed during a game of rugby due to a cardiac arrest. 

A night of stars

The guest list features some of the biggest names in Northern Irish, Irish, and British showbusiness, including Oscar-winning actors, world champion boxers, international footballers, Irish rugby players, and stars from TV shows including Game Of Thrones and Derry Girls. Huge bands such as Snow Patrol have performed for free given their backing for this event. 

But the real stars of the night are our winners in categories including Spirit of Youth, Charity Champion, Spirit of Health, 999 Hero, Spirit of Education, Community Hero, Overcoming Adversity, Eco Champion, Young Carer, Spirit of Sport, and Unsung Hero. 

Politically, the event has been supported by the highest levels of government across the UK and Ireland. Northern Ireland’s power-sharing First and deputy First Ministers attended in June to present an award and also posted about it on social media, while the then-UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a winner the previous year.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “It gives you such hope in your heart to see such goodness out there across our community, because we are one community, and I think that we should always remember that.”

Sharing their stories

Our print supplement, which is then shared online, tells the most uplifting stories of the year from our region. ITV and Sky broadcast programmes from the awards, and Cool FM hosts a live two-hour radio show. 

This event has helped boost the profile of many charities and worthy causes who told us it not only increased profile and awareness but donations too.  We have succeeded in bolstering our brand and making a tangible impact on our readers and society in Northern Ireland. 

The event and the stories of our winners shine a light on the real heroes of Northern Ireland, a region where people have become accustomed to a diet of hard news due to our troubles and political situation over the past 50 years.

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