THE late Nika McGuigan, daughter of Olympic boxer Barry McGuigan, posthumously won Best Actress Film at the 2021 IFTA Film and Drama Awards on Sunday night (July 4) for her performance in ‘Wildfire’, which was in post-production when the actress passed away.

Accepting the award on her behalf, Nika’s father, Barry, and mother, Sandra, said they were “very, very proud and overwhelmed”.

Her brother Blane then gave an emotional speech accepting the award on behalf of the family.

“Firstly, on behalf of the family we would like to thank IFTA, all who voted, and all of those who worked on Wildfire, especially Cathy Brady and Nora-Jane Noone.

“Nika’s performance speaks for herself. It is the culmination of years of hard work. Nika tirelessly grafted to become the best actor she could be, and in Wildfire she found a vehicle that let her express herself artistically like she had never been able to do before.

“It is tragic that Nika did not get to show the world more of her endless talent, but this award and its recognition of her brilliant performance would have meant everything to Danika.”

Barry then spoke of the bittersweet nature of the occasion, as well as Nika’s fighting spirit: “This is a testament to the special and sacred bond Nika had with her mother that transcends all of life’s challenges.”

Sandra finished by saying: “For Nika to have been given this award would have taken her breath away. For me and Barry, it was an absolute privilege that Nika was our daughter.

“Thank you IFTA, thank you everybody.”