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IT was a great night for the Hurley and Landers families on Saturday as they picked up awards at a ceremony in Killarney.

The annual Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards took place in the INEC and were attended by just under 1,100 people representing societies throughout the country.

Tralee native, Tim Landers won best comedian for his role in Tralee Light Opera Society’s production of ‘The Producers’, in the Light Opera category.

“I’ve been going to the awards for 25 years and this was the first time I was nominated,” said Tim, who won the award for his portrayal of Franz Liebkind. “To hear my name called out was unbelievable, it was the greatest moment of my life. The reaction from the crowd was amazing and I was in floods, of course!” he added.

There was a double celebration in one household as Oliver Hurley and Geraldine Heaslip both claimed accolades.

Oliver won Best Director for his work with the Killarney Musical Society’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ while Geraldine won Best Ensemble, ‘Annie Christmas/No Matter What’ scene, for Tralee Musical Society from their production of ‘Whistle Down The Wind’ in the Gilbert Section, where she was Chorus Mistress.

Tralee Musical Society also had runners up in a number of categories; Alan Teahan for Best Male Singer; Janna Foley for Best Actress and brothers Des and John Hurley both took the stage for runners-up for Tralee MS and Killarney MS respectively.

Also a very moving and fitting tribute to Bryan Flynn – writer of ‘Michael Collins’ who passed away some weeks ago – societies from Tralee M.S., Teachers M.S. and Kilkenny M.S. performed a number from “Michael Collins, A Musical Drama,” bringing all those present to a standing ovation and recognising his immense contribution to musical theatre here in Ireland.

Over 90 musical societies are affiliated to the Association of Irish Musical Societies across the country and the awards celebrate the musical performances of the year.