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Steven Crawford

BAFTA success for one of the Irish League's much-loved figures

Figures from across the Irish League have led the congratulations after one of its much-loved personalities picked up a BAFTA.

James Martin is a familiar face around the grounds as he accompanies his journalist father Ivan across the country on match days.

It was Ivan's turn to be at the shoulder of his talented son at Sunday evening's star-studded event at the Royal Festival Hall in London after Northern Irish film An Irish Goodbye was nominated in the Best British Short Film category.

Read more: Antrim man outlines ambitious plans for new Belfast football club

Actor James, who has graced our screens in the ITV drama Marcella, plays Lorcan in the black comedy, which is set on a rural farm and tells a story of two estranged brothers who come together after their mother's death.

And there were huge celebrations when the film, which was directed and written by Ross White and Tom Berkeley, was announced as the winner.

The congratulatory messages quickly followed from the Irish League.

Larne chairman Gareth Clements posted on social media: "So our wee mate James Martin is a BAFTA winner, now for the Oscars my friend...!"

Glentoran boss Rodney McAree added his well-wishes posting: "Absolutely brilliant." A sentiment echoed by former Irish League player and manager now turned pundit, Liam Beckett.

Coleraine FC's match day announcer Alan Simpson also posted his congratulations saying: "Wow … BAFTA winner James Martin .. Brilliant just Brilliant."

As for James he was trying to take it all in when he spoke to the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme on Monday morning.

"It's not every day that you pick up a Bafta in London," he said.

"I couldn't believe that I could go up to that stage."

Now there's the small matter of the Oscars for James, which just happens to fall on the same night as his birthday.

"That might put the icing on my birthday cake, fingers crossed we get an Oscar," he added.

Well done James and I'm sure the Irish League will be cheering you on!

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