Records prove that Irish people laughed in 2002 more often than in any previous year (excepting: 1848, End of Famine; 1922 end of War of Independence and 1945 End of The Emergency.) The Hoot Press Top 20 Golden Giggle Awards tell you why.

GIG OF THE YEAR
Dylan Moran’s 20-minute set at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre in aid of the Central Remedial Clinic. He’s back in Vicar St. in February 2003 with a full set.

MOST PROLIFIC ACT OF THE YEAR
David O’Doherty, whose shows this year included Small Things, The Boy Who Saved Comedy and Saddled with Bryan Quinn, as well as a host of supports and smaller spots.
Honourable mention: Paddy Courtney

SEXIEST PERFORMER
Tommy Tiernan. Quite simply a ride.

HONOURARY IRISHMAN
Liverpool’s Brendan Reilly. Honourable mention: Australia’s Adam Hills.

BEST CAREER TRAJECTRORY
John Moynes, from Bull Island, to Bull to X-it Poll to X-it File, also a regular live performer and MC, currently rumoured to be “doing something big”. Honourable mention: Ruben.

VERY BAD THINGS OF 2002
Michael Downey’s car accident and Eddie Naessen’s illness. Both are expected back in top form next year.

BEST IMPERSONATION OF A WOMAN
Risteard Cooper of Après Match’s impersonation of Marian Finucane. Honourable mention: Pat Shortt’s Frida character from the TV phone adverts.

MOST MISSED
Spike Milligan RIP.

BEST NEW VENUE
The re-vamped Laughter Lounge, weekends at Spirit, Dublin. Honourable mention: The Sugar Club’s Laughing Club, Thursdays.

BEST CHARACTER BASED COMIC
Sue Collins’ Carmel. Honourable mention: Ding Dong Denny O’Reilly.

RICHEST COMEDIAN
Brendan O’Carroll, back in 2003 with a new live theatre show and the Mrs. Brown’s Boy’s video.

BEST IRISH TV SHOW
Bachelor’s Walk (again). Honourable mention: Ed Byrne’s Just For Laughs on RTE.

BEST FOREIGN TV SHOW
BBC’s The Office. Honourable mention: Comedy Central (USA) Insomniac with Dave Attel.

BEST DRESSED COMIC
Deirdre O’Kane for her Live At The Olympia video. Honourable mention: Des Bishop.

FUNNIEST FESTIVAL
Kilkenny’s Cat Laughs. Honourable mention: Omagh’s International Comedy Festival.

COMEBACK KID AWARD
Dermot Carmody for his Belter at The Shelter one-man show. Honourable mention: Karl McDermot.

THE ‘SO GOOD THEY’RE ANNOYING’ AWARD
Dublin’s International Comedy Improv team. Honourable mention: Jason Byrne.

NICEST MAN IN COMEDY
Tommy Nicholson. Honourable mention: Dermot McMurrow.

BEST NEWCOMER
David McSavage anarcho-comic-terrorist and audience baiter. Honourable mention: Bernard O’Shea.