Irishman, and Melbourne Comedy Festival favourite, David O'Doherty has been announced as this year's if.comedy award winner - the highest accolade at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The 33-year-old collected his award from Clive James and 2007 winner, Australian Brendon Burns at a ceremony on Saturday in Edinburgh.

Sarah Millican, the Geordie stand-up who started comedy in 2005, was named best newcomer.

Awards producer Nica Burns said: "After one of the longest, most animated debates the panel finally chose from this very strong shortlist a comedian whose work can only be summed up as utterly delightful. An hour with David O'Doherty fills the world with laughter and charm and sends you home on a wave of happiness."

The other nominees for the 2008 award, formerly known as the Perrier were Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler (joint winners of the 2008 Barry Award at the Melbourne Comedy Festival) for Double Down Hearts, Rhod Gilbert for the Award-winning Mince Pie and Russell Kane for Gaping Flaws.

Melbourne Comedy Festival director, Susan Provan was present as O'Doherty received his award, and is thrilled to confirm that his award-wining show (Let's Comedy) will be coming to the 2009 Festival in April.


"Gentle, silly and even a little moving in his gentle silly way, David O'Doherty is an outright gift." - The List, 2008

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