Mrs Tanney retired after 36 years of teaching

Anne Tanney was thrust into the international media spotlight by a loyalist protest outside her Belfast school.

She retired earlier this year after 36 years of teaching.

Ten teachers, principals and teaching assistants won the top awards at the ceremony at the Waterfront Hall on Friday.

The awards bring thousands of pounds of cash and equipment to their schools.

All the winners will go on to the national awards, competing against teachers across the UK.

Here is a list of the main award winners:

• Teacher of the Year in a Primary School: Anne McGuinness, St John The Baptist Primary School, Portadown
• Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School: Sean McAuley, St Pius X College, Magherafelt
• Innovation Unit Award: Paul Burch, Lagan College, Castlereagh
• Headteacher of the Year: Neil Downing, Dungannon Primary School, Dungannon
• Outstanding New Teacher: Mark McConnellogue, St Columb's College, Londonderry
• Excellence in Special Needs Teaching: Alan Jennings, Ashfield Boys High School, Belfast
• Leadership within a School: Geraldine Mellon, St Peter's High School, Derry
• School and Community Involvement: Eunan O'Donnell, Steelstown Primary School, Derry
• Teaching Assistant of the Year: Celia Burns, Holy Trinity Primary School, Enniskillen
• Award for Lifetime Achievement: Anne Tanney, Holy Cross Girls Primary School, Belfast