Cool FM proud media partners of the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2024

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 19th Feb 2024

Sunday Life have recently announced that this year's Spirit of Northern Ireland Award nominations are officially open.

Do you know someone that deserves a special shout out and recognition for their hard work?

Awards for Unsung Hero, Charity Champion, Community Hero, Young Carer, 999 Hero, Spirit of Health, Spirit of Education, Spirit of Youth and Spirit of Sport.

People awarded are those who have demonstrated a spirit of compassion, neighbourliness, charity, courage or devotion, or those who have gone beyond the call of duty in the fields of education, the emergency services, the caring sector, health or sport.

The awards ceremony will be held at Culloden Estate and Spa in Cultra on Friday, June 14. It will be hosted by UTV’s Pamela Ballantine and Cool FM’s Pete Snodden.

Pamela, who has presented the ceremony for many years, said: “I am delighted to be involved once again in the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards.

“It’s a wonderful excuse for us all to come together and celebrate some of the unsung heroes in Northern Ireland. It’s wonderful they get the recognition to deserve.”

Cool FM breakfast show host Pete added: “The awards are always an amazing night. It is a night of celebrating people from right across the country, and it’s brilliant for myself to be hosting it this year and for the radio station to be involved.

“I am really excited to meet the winners this year as their stories always blow me away.”

Awards founder and Sunday Life and Belfast Telegraph deputy editor-in-chief, Martin Breen said: “I would urge everyone to tell us about those everyday heroes in their lives and in their local communities. We want to celebrate them and all they have done for others.”

Terry Robb, Head of Personal Banking at Ulster Bank NI added: “The Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank, are a fantastic way of celebrating community heroes who make a huge difference to the lives of others.

“They offer a snapshot of ordinary people who do extraordinary things and serve as a reminder of all the good that exists here."

If you know of someone in your local area who would be a worthy recipient of a Spirit of Northern Ireland award, find out how to nominate below 👇

Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Award Categories 👇

Charity Champion: Someone who has worked tirelessly for a charity or as a fundraiser for many years.

Unsung Hero: Someone whose great deed or deeds have previously gone unnoticed but who has made a major contribution to your life or to your community.

Caring Spirt: A person who has dedicated their time to caring for a friend or family member.

Young Carer: A young person who has dedicated their time to caring for a friend or family member.

Spirit of Youth: Someone under the age of 18 who should be recognised for their special achievements.

Spirit of Sport: Someone who has made an exceptional contribution to sport over a number of years.

999 Hero: A member of the emergency services who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in their job.

Spirit of Health: A medical professional who has gone the extra mile to improve the health and wellbeing of their patients.

Overcoming Adversity: Someone who has overcome huge personal challenges, whether it is dealing with illness or disability or overcoming problems.

Eco Champion: Seeks to recognise an individual or community group that has gone the extra mile to care for and protect the local environment for future generations.

Community Hero: Someone who has made an outstanding contribution to their local community or neighbourhood.

Special Recognition: Someone who the judges feel represents the Spirit of Northern Ireland by selflessly serving others and being an inspiration to us all.

How to nominate someone for a Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards

To nominate someone, email spiritofniawards@sundaylife.co.uk, telling us a little about the person you are putting forward for an award and why they deserve one.

How to listen to Cool FM:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.