Galaxy Of Stars To Descend On Irish Film & Television Awards

As excitement builds for the forthcoming Irish Film & Television Awards, taking place in Dublin's RDS on 9 February, IFTA is delighted to announce a host of leading Irish and International talent that are confirmed to join the celebrations to toast another year of outstanding work from Irish film and television talent.
The Awards' host for the evening, Ryan Tubridy, will welcome some glamorous and talented actresses attending the ceremony from Los Angeles, including nominee Fionnula Flanagan (Transamerica), Orla Brady (Nip Tuck/Proof) and international guest Lara Flynn Boyle (Las Vegas, Men in Black II, Twin Peaks) who is presenting one of the top awards of the night. Other Irish talents confirmed to attend include nominees Eva Birthistle (Middletown), Ruth Bradley (Stardust, Legend), Orla Fitzgerald (The Wind That Shakes the Barley), Tina Kellegher (Showbands), Pauline McLynn (Gypo, Father Ted). Other high profile women stepping out on the red carpet include songstress Sinead O'Connor, TV Personality of the Year 2003 winner Miriam O'Callaghan and BBC Northern Ireland's shining star Christine Bleakley (Let Me Entertain You), Grainne Seoige, Kathryn Thomas (also presenting the RTE Guide Red Carpet Style Show), Breakthrough nominee Lucy Kennedy and Channel 6's Taragh Loughrey Grant (in the running for this years TV personality gong). Former Miss World Rosanna Davidson will join the festivities again this year as well as bestselling author Cecelia Ahern whose novel 'PS I Love You' has recently been given the big screen treatment.
James Nesbitt, who is currently shooting TV drama 'Murphy's Law' around Dublin, is free to enjoy the ceremony this year with Ryan Tubridy taking over the MC duties. Already confirmed Irish actors will be in force to cheer the winners at the gala ceremony. IFTA lifetime member Pierce Brosnan (The Matador, Seraphim Falls) who is taking time out to lead the red carpet march will be joined by fellow actors Gabriel Byrne, three time nominee Liam Cunningham, Padraic Delaney, Stephen Rea and Gavin Friday along with directors Neil Jordan, Jim Sheridan and Ken Loach. Comedians Tommy Tiernan, Des Bishop, Patrick Kielty, Ardal O'Hanlon and the Naked Camera gang are all vying for top television awards on the night and promise to entertain the crowds gathered on the IFTA red carpet.
Irish actor/director Adrian Dunbar and actor Patrick Bergin, who has signed to star in Dunbar's forthcoming debut feature Connolly, as well as British actor Iain Glen.
Minister John O'Donoghue and Minister Noel Dempsey will be at the RDS to celebrate Gay Byrne's IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award. Sir Bob Geldof will be among the esteemed guests paying tribute to the seminal broadcaster's 50 year career.
The 4th Annual Irish Film & Television Awards will begin with a reception at 7pm. 32 Awards and four People's Choice Awards will be presented on the night followed by an aftershow party at the RDS. Irish band The Republic of Loose will perform live for over 1,100 guests at what is undoubtedly the highlight of the Irish film and television entertainment calendar.
IFTA coverage begins on Saturday 10th February on RTE Two at 9pm with Kathryn Thomas hosting the RTE Guide Red Carpet Style Show followed by the main event which will be broadcast on RTE One at 9.30pm.
(DS/SP)