The Divine Comedy scooped Act Of The Year in the first Oh Yeah Irish music awards, held on Wednesday at the Empire, Belfast.

Oh Yeah is a Belfast-based web site devoted to Irish music run by former NME Deputy Editor Stuart Bailie, who left the paper to return to his native Northern Ireland and work on projects such as the site and his acclaimed biography of Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott.

Five bands including Snow Patrol played and Irish girl band Honey played an acoustic version of the Ash hit 'Oh Yeah'.

"There's loads of quality music coming out of Northern Ireland, and it was a pleasure to share an awards night at the Empire with so many creative people," said Stuart Bailie. "Using internet technology to spread the news has also been a success. We'll be back next year with more amazing tunes and an even more legendary awards night!"

The awards, voted by Oh Yeah users were

ACT OF THE YEAR : The Divine Comedy

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Snow Patrol 'Songs For Polar Bears'

SINGLE OF THE YEAR: Snow Patrol '1000 Things You Should Have Done In Bed'

BEST NEW ACT: Hedrock Valley Beats

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: 'Across The Bridge Of Hope'

BEST CLUB: Ski Bunny

GIG OF THE YEAR: U2 & ASH at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast


NME.COM 12/01/1999 10:15:43 AM