Feis ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award for Jim

WELL-KNOWN Ballymena Traditional Feis competitor, Jim Kyle, has become used to attaining first place in his class at the annual festival over the years.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Feb 2011, 09:44 BST

However, he achieved ‘a first’ of a truly historic kind at this year’s event when he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Irene Cumming, Festival President.

It was 40 years ago in February 1971 that Jim, formerly of Cullybackey, first won the Sacred Solo Class at the Feis and has now chalked up 19 winning performances in his class over the years.

This month, Jim also celebrated his 80th birthday.

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“This seemed like a good time for us to give some formal recognition to a man who has for so long adorned this traditional day with his playing,” said Mrs Cumming.

“I think this is possibly the first Lifetime Achievement Awards given out at Ballymena Festival so this isn’t something that is done lightly.

“I’m delighted to be able to present this Award and I trust that we can look forward to Jim coming back to play for us in the years that lie ahead”.