DANIEL O'Donnell bestrode the Irish entertainment world like a well groomed Colossus last night as he won the Entertainment Personality of the Year award for an unprecedented third time at the National Entertainment Awards.
At a gala show in the National Concert Hall, the Donegal singer was presented with his award by Mr Roji Bolger, chairman of Telecom Eireann, sponsors of the awards.
Over 23,000 people voted for the Personality of the Year in a telephone poll, with Daniel, who had previously won the award in 1989 and 1992, taking 20 per cent of the vote.
It was a close run contest as RTE presenters Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny and Marian Finucane snapped at Daniel's heels right to the finish, but in the end votes from Northern Ireland ensured that Daniel's popularity remained undisputed.
The National Entertainment Awards, now in their 12th year, threw up some unlikely bedfellows.
The 50 year old Tulla Ceili Band, winners in the Traditional category, found themselves alongside Rock category winners Ash, two of whom were born in 1977.
Prof Gerard Gillen, organist in thy National Concert Hall, was the winner in the Classical category, while Boyzone received the Popular Music award in a live link up with the Point Theatre, where they were performing last night.
Those watching the awards were also treated to the slightly surreal experience of seeing an excerpt from this year's Beckett Festival, which won Michael Colgan of the Gate Theatre the Eamonn Andrews Special Award, performed in close proximity to an interview between host Mike Murphy and Father Ted star Ardal O'Hanlon, who took the award in the Variety category.
Neil Jordan was presented with the Event of the Year Award by actor Stephen Rea for his film Michael Collins. Late Late Show host Gay Byrne received the Hall of Fame award. Other winners included singer Sinead Lohan (New Entertainer), and Brian Kennedy (Singer/Songwriter).
Over 1,200 people attended the awards show, which was televised on RTE and raised about £25,000 for Rehab.