BOYZONE AND Twink were among the big winners at last night’s Gooseberry Awards in Dublin, but they’re probably not too thrilled about it.
The boyband won the worst Irish act of 2008 award, in a ceremony that pokes fun at well-known figures in Irish entertainment and media.
Twink won a lifetime achievement award, a backhanded tribute to her work in stage and television.
The second annual Gooseberry Awards were held in the Odessa club in Dublin’s Dame Lane, and among those who also received “Gooseberries” were broadcasters Gráinne and Síle Seoige, techno-country artist Mickey Modelle and journalist Amanda Brunker.
The Gooseberries were dreamed up by nightclub manager Oisín Davis and journalist Barbara McCarthy as an antidote to the large number of back-slapping awards ceremonies that seem to clutter the Irish social calendar.
The Gooseberries are modelled on the American Raspberry Awards, which honour the worst films, actors and directors.
Visitors to the Elevator website (www.theelevator.ie) put forward their nominations in each category, and the three most-nominated in each category go forward to the shortlist.
“It’s just a bit of a laugh,” insists Davis, who manages The Sugar Club on Leeson Street.
“This is the second year, so we found it easier to approach people. “Most of the nominees have been good sports about it,” he added.
Although RTÉ’s Pat Kenny was nominated in the worst Irish radio DJ of 2008 category, he was beaten by RTÉ 2FM’s morning radio duo, Colm Jim Jim.
The pair scored a double at the Gooseberries, also winning worst Irish TV programme of 2008 for Colm and Jim Jim's Homerun.
Gráinne and Síle Seoige shared the award for worst Irish TV host of 2008, and the worst Irish publication of 2008 award went to Social Personal magazine.
The novelty song There's No One as Irish as Barack Obama, by Hardy Drew the Nancy Boys, won worst Irish single of 2008.
