I have had an eventful few days here in Donegal and I thoroughly enjoyed it! To start off my week I attended the Silver Tassie hotel on Monday night with my good friends Brian and Marie Kerrigan to see Ireland’s latest star Nathan Carter in action and I did not leave disappointed.

Lisa McHugh - Nathan Carter- Sinead Taggart

Nathan is a fantastic singer and put on a brilliant show leaving no free space on the dance floor from start to finish.
After a days recovery on Tuesday I had a busy day on Wednesday including a photo shoot in Coleraine and the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards (NICMA) awards in Ballymena.
It was an early start to the day but I was excited to be going for my photo shoot and to finally meet the photographer I had heard so much about.
Ivan really made me feel comfortable from the minute I met him which was great as it makes it so much easier to get good shots. As it was such a lovely day I even managed to get some pictures taken outside which was a bonus.
After my three-hour shoot it was onwards to Ballymena we went. I had never been to an awards show before and I wasn’t really sure of what to expect but I was excited!
After my sound check was done it was great to sit down and have the craic with all the other artists that came along.
The girls were out in force this year and we had such a laugh together. The girls dressing room was a sight for sore eyes that’s all I’m saying with myself, Carrie and Leanne Benn, Sinead Taggart, Bonnie Stewart, Kim Dickinson, Sandy Kelly and many more bundled into one room it was certainly an experience!
I was so happy to be nominated for Best Country Newcomer and would like to thank each and every one of you who voted for me.
It was a privilege to be a part of the show and I enjoyed performing for everyone on the night. The list of all award winners is at the end of my column.
Before I left for Glasgow I had just enough time to catch up with my brother Chrissy and his fiancee Clare and also my two cousins Kerry and Sinead McHugh who came over for a few days holiday.
We had a great night out in Letterkenny but the journey home on Friday was one I will certainly not forget in a hurry. Until I speak to you again be safe and take care.

NICMA Winners
Best Country Newcomer- Nathan Carter, Best Album – Shaun Loughrey, Best Single- Mike Denver’s ‘ The day of my return’, Coveted International award- Daniel O’Donnell, Top Male Vocalist- Kieran McGilligan, Top female vocalist -Sandy Kelly, Best live Act – Stephen Smyth, Special Achievement – Dominic Kirwan, Best Radio Presenter – Hugo Duncan, Best Local Act – Bonnie Stewart, Lifetime achievement – Susan McCann, Lifetime achievement- Declan Nerney.