The Countryside Alliance Awards – now in their 17th year – recognise rural businesses across five categories -‘best local food’, ‘best butcher’, ‘best pub’, ‘best rural enterprise’ and ‘best village shop/ post office.’
Thousands of nominations from around the country were whittled down via a public vote, with the final few being honoured at the Northern Irish finalists’ awards dinner and ceremony on Monday, March 25.
The winner of each category will go on to represent Northern Ireland in the national champions reception at the House of Lords in June, competing against other finalists from Wales, Scotland and England.
Gary McCartney, Director of the Countryside Alliance Ireland, said: "Running a business in a rural community isn’t easy, particularly in recent times. The evening was all about celebrating the valued role these rural enterprises have in their communities.
"Their continuing promotion and defence of Northern Irish produce, skills and rural life deserves all the credit it gets. We at Countryside Alliance Ireland are proud to be honouring a group of people who are passionate about their countryside and passionate about providing quality goods, services and employment to rural communities and beyond.”
Check out our gallery of category winners and other businesses from across the province who received highly commended awards.
Well done to everyone who made the shortlist.
5. Spar Magilligan
Spar Magilligan won the Village Shop and Post Office category. Speaking to this newspaper, the Bellarena-based business' owners, George and Harry Canning said: "On behalf of ourselves and all our staff at SPAR Magilligan we would just like to thank everyone who has voted for us. We received votes from our local customers and also from people who visit us in the summer months while staying at Benone beach. Thank you for every single vote. It was a shock when we were first nominated and to be honest we didn't think we had a chance of winning but to be announced as the winner its been a great honour. The news has created a real buzz about the shop and the local area and it's nice to get a wee bit of recognition as the staff truly deserve it. Fingers crossed we can have even more luck in June in the national finals." Ceremony host Lynda Bryans is pictured with Eoin Canning, Joanne White and Maxine Tosh. Photo: Contributed
6. Broughgammon Farm Shop, Ballycastle
Broughgammon Farm Shop in Ballycastle received a highly commended award in the Local Food and Drink category. Photo: Broughgammon Farm Shop, Ballycastle
7. Craig View Luxury Glamping, Dungannon
Craig View Luxury Glamping in Dungannon received a highly commended award in the Rural Enterprise category. Photo: Craig View Luxury Glamping, Dungannon
8. Rathlin Village Shop
Rathlin Village Shop received a highly commended award in the Village Shop and Post Office category. A spokesperson for the business said: "Thank you to everyone who voted for us, it really meant a lot." Photo: Rathlin Village Shop