Galway was the big winner at the Georgina Campbell Awards, taking the top prizes for best restaurant and best seafood restaurant.

A CARLOW-based chef, a Wexford hotel and a Dublin Michelin-star restaurant were among the big winners at this year’s Georgina Campbell Awards.

A number of restaurants are bucking the trend and thriving during the economic slowdown.

The best friend of a man accused of murder said he saw him "go mad" and stab the 37-year-old victim "for nothing", the Central Criminal Court heard.