Screen stars honoured at 9th IFTA awards

TV series 'Love/Hate' and films 'The Guard' and 'Albert Nobbs' were the big winners at last night's Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) awards in Dublin.

Crime drama 'Love/Hate' took home seven awards including IFTAs for Best Drama, Director, Writer and Editor.

The show’s on-screen stars Aiden Gillen, Denise McCormack and Tom Vaughan also picked up awards for their lead and supporting roles respectively.

John Michael Mc Donagh's 'The Guard was the big Irish film winner taking home four awards including Best Film, Script, and Director.

Irish co-production 'Albert Nobbs' took the best international actress award for Glenn Close, as well as awards for its score and makeup.

Best Actor went to Michael Fassbender for his role in 'Shame' while Carlow native Saoirse Ronan bagged Best Actress for her performance in 'Hanna'.

Brendan O’ Carroll’s 'Mrs Brown’s Boys' beat off competition from the Hardy Bucks to scoop Best Entertainment Programmem while 'ICA Boot Camp' beat Bill Cullen's 'Apprentice' bringing home Best Reality Show.

'Prime Time Investigates – The Home Care Scandal' won The News and Current Affairs gong while 'Jedward’s Dream Factory' was pipped at the post by 'The Importance Of Being Whatever' for Best Children’s/Youth Programme.

Meanwhile Irish actress Fionnula Flanagan received the lifetime achievement award from President Micheal D Higgins for her years of contribution to the arts.