The Ulster Tatler has been furiously critiquing Ulster's most stylish couple, man, woman, clothing store and restaurant for the past few months under the style-conscious eyes of their chosen judging panel, including Radio Ulster's Ralph McLean - who always knows how to don a great suit - award-winning photographer Ciaran O'Neill, model agency boss Alison Campbell and artist Terry Bradley.

The final votes were then cast by the public and what an eclectic mix we turned out with!

On arrival, the Magners Light was thrust upon the guests and continued to flow throughout the evening.

A few rather nervous contestants arrived in their most elegant attire hoping to catch a few last votes from the judges.

The decisions, however, had been made, crowning photographer Khara Pringle as Northern Ireland's Most Stylish Female alongside hairdressing guru Michael Quinn as Most Stylish Man.

James Street South pipped their rivals at the post to collect Most Stylish Restaurant, while Jason and Brenda Shankey are officially Northern Ireland's Most Stylish Couple.

THE Irish Film and Television Awards have created a star-studded event each year growing in style, status and sheer size with each ceremony and this year they certainly excelled themselves.

The RDS in Dublin was transformed on Friday night for the 4th IFTAs.

I felt honoured to have been asked to present an award and so my evening started with a trip in one of their fleet of Audis to the red carpet lavishly rolled outside the RDS doors.

The air of excitement was electric as nominees whispered amongst themselves as to who would collect the various awards up for grabs.

You could not help but do a bit of star-spotting, too, with Patrick Bergin, Bob Geldof and Gabriel Byrne all meandering through the Champagne reception.

I was seated at the Murphy's Law table and right beside its star Jimmy Nesbitt. Alongside us, the BBC Newsline Team were out in force with Noel Thompson, Donna Traynor and Stephen Watson dressed to kill.

The comedy contingent was also spotted in the crowd, with Colin Murphy, Pauline McLynn, Tommy Tiernan and Ardal O'Hanlon dishing out and collecting titles, while our very own Patrick Kielty presented the Best Entertainment award to RTE's Naked Camera.

The best of Ireland's acting talent were allowed to shine amongst their peers, with Adrian Dunbar, Fionnula Flanagan, Ger Ryan, Liam Cunningham, Ciaran Hinds, Lara Flynn Boyle and, of course, Jimmy Nesbitt all supporting the evening.

The mystical Nuala Moiselle was awarded IFTA Industry Contribution Award with director Jim Sheridan speaking of his wonderful experiences with the actress over the years before he presented her with the accolade.

My job was to present the Best Single Documentary, with the title going to Flann O'Brien: The Lives of Brian for RTE.

Sadly neither of the BBC Northern Ireland shortlisted nominees - Newsline Special: Death of George Best or Murphy's Law - picked up the coveted statuettes to the disappointment of our tables.

The UTV party descended upon Dublin to support nominee Gerry Kelly, with Pamela Ballantine looking very glam in a sexy red frock while Julian Simmons and Kate Smith added their touch of sparkle to proceedings.

Sadly, Gerry and Eamonn Holmes both lost out to Bill O'Herlihy of RTE for the title of TV Personality of the Year.

The biggest cheer of the evening, however, was for TV's finest and most experienced star, Gay Byrne, who collected his Lifetime Achievement award from two of his biggest fans - Gabriel Byrne and Bob Geldof.

Have a heart for Special Olympians

OUR brave and talented Special Olympics team needs to raise a massive £350,000 by the end of April to help train and support Ulster's 23 athletes and six coaches going to the World Games in China in October this year.

That's why I teamed up this week with TV presenter Ralph McLean to launch an appeal for An Hour Of Your Pay On Valentine's Day.

Individual workers and companies can contribute to this extremely worthy cause by calling the Special Olympics Ulster Fundraising office on 028 9089 2999 or emailing their name and company details to antrim@specialolymics.ie.

Visit www.specialolympics.ie for a general information pack on fundraising for the 'Support an Athlete' campaign.

I took part in the Ireland Games opening ceremony last summer and realised how important the Special Olympics are, not only to the athletes taking part, but also to their friends and families who support them.

We need to do all we can to ensure that the World Games athletes get the opportunity to compete and showcase their talent.

To give one hour of your pay towards the campaign is great way to show support.