U2 walked away with the 'Best Group' Award at last night's Meteor Music Awards in Dublin.

Adam, Larry, Edge and Bono showed up to receive the award at the Point Depot and, surprise, surprise, Bono was back on stage within minutes to receive a special 'Humanitarian' award.

'It's a fantastic night,' he said. 'I appreciate receiving these honours. I think it is the first time I have won awards for both my music and my passion outside music on the same night.'

The band were delighted to retain the 'Best Group' award ... considering there were no U2 shows and no new studio album in the last year.

The Red Hot Chilli Peppers took awards for Best International Album and Best Visiting Live Performance, while other Irish acts to win were Westlife, Luke Thomas and Carly Hennessy.

Presenters of the awards included film star Colin Farrell, TV's Brian Dowling and Sharon and Jim Corr. Sir Bob Geldof was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Performers included Sinead O'Connor and Samantha Mumba.

Here's the list:

• Best Group: U2
• Best Female Singer: Carly Hennessey.
• Best Male Singer: Mundy.
• Best Folk/Trad Act: John Spillane.
• Best Album: 'Skylarking' - Mic Christopher.
• Best Dance Act: Luke Thomas.
• Best Pop Act: Westlife.
• Best Radio DJ: Ian Dempsey.
• Best Country-Roots Artist: Gerry Fish.
• Best New Act: The Thrills.
• Best International Group: Coldplay.
• Best International Male: Eminem.
• Best International Female: Avril Lavigne.
• Best International Album: 'By The Way' - Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
• Best Visiting Live Performance: Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
• Hope For 2003 Award: Rubyhorse.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Geldof.
• Humanitarian Award: Bono.
• Industry Contribution Award: Phil Coulter.