Two AIMS awards for Offaly

Offaly won twice at this year's Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards, held last Saturday night in the INEC at Gleneagle's Hotel in Killarney, The annual awards is a culmination of a year of musical theatre all across the country, and to arrive at their list of winners adjudicators visited more than 90 shows countrywide. Tullamore's Karen Martin was not left disappointed, after being crowned Best Comedienne in her role of Katisha in this year's production of the highly successful "Hot Mikado". Indeed the role of Katisha seemed to be a lucky one this year, with two others cast in the same role sharing the Female Singer Award. Also taking away a prize for Offaly last weekend was Audrey O'Meara from Birr Stage Guild, who took the Best Actress award. Awards on the night were presented by AIMS President Mary Heaney. The host for the night was RTE's Shay Byrne, himself an amateur musical theatre performer. The night was enjoyed by more than 4,000 people, thanks to it being broadcast on the AIMS website for the first time via webcam. A full list of winners is available at www.aims.ie.