Damien Dempsey star of Meteor awards
Damien Dempsey has walked away with two awards at the 2004 Meteor Ireland Music Awards, hosted by Dara O’Briain at The Point.
The 28-year-old singer songwriter from Dublin was named Best Folk/Trad Act and Best Irish Country/Roots Artist for his unique sound which draws from a wide range of influences including traditional Irish, Sean Nós, Bob Marley and Elvis.
Westlife, the longest running and most successful boy-band of all time, won their fifth Meteor Award last night when they were voted Best Irish Pop Act.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers won their third Meteor Award in a row for Best Live Performance at Slane last year.
2FM’s Ryan Tubridy was voted Best Irish Radio DJ; The Frames, who performed Fake, were voted Best Irish Band and The Thrills won Best Irish Album for their debut album So Much For The City.
Cara Dillon was one of only two women to win an award at this year’s Meteors. She won Best Irish Female, while Paddy Casey who performed Saints & Sinners to a packed Point was voted Best Irish Male.
Future Kings of Spain won the award for Best Irish New Act having carved out a reputation as one of the most explosive rock 'n' roll bands in ages.
Republic of Loose was presented with the ‘Hope for 2004 Meteor Award’ by 2FM’s Michael Cahill.
The shortlist compiled by 2FM presenters and DJs included Cathy Davy, Hal, Laura Isibor, Republic of Loose, Simplekid and Shonagh Daly and the overall winner was decided by 2FM listeners.
Beyonce was named Best Female Singer; Justin Timberlake Best Male Singer and The Darkness won Best Album.
Irish music legends, The Dubliners were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Dave Fanning, the fast thinking, fast talking oracle of all things musical on 2FM was presented with the Industry Award. Social worker and founder of Focus Ireland, Sister Stanilaus Kennedy aka ‘Sister Stan’ was presented with the Humanitarian Award and €100,000 for charity by Sharon Corr.
The Meteor Music Awards were recorded by RTE and will be shown on Network 2 on Wednesday, 3 March at 9pm.
A host of international and Irish acts performed at this year’s awards including music legend Lionel Richie, No 1 chart sensation Katie Melua, Counting Crows, The Corrs, Sugababes, Westlife, Hothouse Flowers, The Frames, The Dubliners, Snow Patrol, Paddy Casey and Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club.
Celebrities flocked to Dublin to attend and present Meteor awards including hollywood actor Dominic West, who is currently co-starring with Julia Roberts in Mona Lisa Smiles; New Zealand’s hottest export, Bic Runga and MTV’s Alex Zane.
Irish actors George Mahon, Patrick Bergin, No Frontiers Katherine Thomas also presented awards alongside ‘Queen of the Jungle, Kerry McFadden, Miss World Rosanna Davidson, Keith Duffy, Niall Quinn, Deirdre O'Kane, Denis Hickey, Joe Elliot and Hector Ó hEochagáin.
