These annual awards see 93 amateur musical theatre groups from all over the island of Ireland compete for prestigious awards in a wide range of categories. Alan’s performance in HAIRSPRAY as the matriarch, ‘Edna’ saw him, somewhat controversially, nominated in the female category of ‘Best Comedienne.’ Ballywillan Drama Group’s artistic director, Brian Logan, commented, “ We made the creative decision to have Alan play the role as a real woman as opposed to a pantomime dame. I think he really pulled it off.” He added “Alan would want it known that his recognition is also recognition of our entire BDG family. We have a tremendously hard working team here and they all deserve to be part of this moment.”