U2 lead the way for Ireland in Brit Awards

They've been nominated in two categories: Best International Group - where they're up against Arcade Fire, Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, U2 and White Stripes - and Best International Album for How To Dismantle An Atomic Band.
In the field of pop, Westlife will be fighting it out with erstwhile Belfast resident Katie Melua for the title of Best Pop Act.
Melua's also up for a gong in the category of British Female Solo Artist, while someone else with a tenuous Irish connection, Antony Hegarty from Antony & The Johnsons, is up for British Male Solo Artist.
Other hopefuls are James Blunt and the Kaiser Chiefs, who each have five nominations.
The awards will be doled out on 15 February, and aired on UTV the following night.