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Louis Walsh joins a host of stars being honoured at the 2015 Irish Post Awards in London

LOUIS WALSH will be among celebrities, stars and Irish personalities attending the 2015 Irish Post Awards in London tonight.

The Awards also mark 45 years for The Irish Post newspaper.

The Irish Post Awards and Business Gala Dinner will celebrate the success of Irish people across a variety of industries including sport, the arts, entertainment, business and community.

This year’s Awards will be attended by 700 guests at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Hosted by broadcaster Eamonn Holmes, the black tie event will honour a number of exceptional people including pop impresario and former X Factor judge Louis Walsh who will pick up a gong for Outstanding Contribution to the Entertainment Industry.

The Outstanding Contribution to the Film & Television Industry accolade will be awarded to actress Fionnula Flanagan.

The Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award will be posthumously awarded to footballer George Best and will be accepted by his son Calum Best.

The Outstanding Contribution to Business in Britain Award will go to brothers Brian Comer and Luke Comer of The Comer Group.

The Irish Post Community Award and The Irish Post Heritage Award will also be given out on the night.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Mara Lane The Irish Post Awards 2014 and Business Gala Dinner held at the London Hilton, Park Lane on Thursday, October 23rd 2014. Award-winners: Actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Football legend Liam Brady, Designer Louise Kennedy, Sean Mulryan, Sir David McMurtry, Michael Forde Guests included: Michael Flatley, Eamonn Holmes, Mara Lane, Paul Costelloe, David Forde, Liam O’Neill, Niall O’Dowd, Dr Leah Totton, Charlotte Jaconelli. Celebrities, stars and business personalities were honoured at this year’s Irish Post Awards which took place on Thursday, October 23rd. The Irish Post Awards 2014 and Business Gala Dinner celebrated the success of six individuals across a variety of industries. This year’s Awards were attended by 700 guests. Hosted by broadcaster Eamon Holmes, the black tie event honoured a number of exceptional people including actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who received this year’s Legend award for his contribution to the film and entertainment industry. Also honoured on the night with an award for Outstanding Contribution to Business in Britain was Sean Mulryan, Chairman and Group Managing Director of Ballymore – an international property investment and development company. This year’s Technology Award, a new addition to The Irish Post’s series of accolades, went to Sir David McMurtry, Chairman of Renishaw Plc. Designer Louise Kennedy, who celebrated 30 years in business in 2013, picked up a special award for Company of the Year. The Outstanding Sports Personality Award went to Ireland and Arsenal footballing legend Liam Brady. A special Community Award was also given out on the night to Michael Forde, Chairman of the Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester. Owner and Publisher of The Irish Post, Mr Elgin Loane, said: “2014 has been a truly historic year for the Irish in Britain; from the ever strengthening economic and trade relations to the significant first ever state visit of President Higgins in April. It is with all this in mind that we are more excited than ever about this year’s Irish Post Awards ceremony. The Irish Post is delighted to once again have the opportunity to recognise and honour the achievements of a group of remarkable people in the Irish community spanning the fields of entertainment, technology, property, sport, design and community. Each of our recipients shares a resolute desire to succeed along with an enterprising spirit and a passion for Ireland and this is embodied in our award categories.” Two charities will benefit from this year’s Awards night, with proceeds from the night’s exclusive raffle going to Barretstown and Mind Yourself

Pictured at last year's Irish Post Awards is award-winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers with Michael Flatley and Eamonn Holmes

Irish charity Console will benefit from this year’s Awards evening, with proceeds from the night’s exclusive raffle going to the national suicide charity.

The Irish Post’s InBusiness 2015 magazine will also be launched on the night - the annual publication is a go-to directory of Irish leaders, connectors and influencers in Britain.

The Irish Post Awards 2015 are sponsored by Allied Irish Bank GB, The Color Company and media partner CityAM.