AN IRISH stand-up has been crowned the funniest man at the Fringe. David O'Doherty was the surprise winner of the Intelligent Finance Comedy Awards 2008, pushing favourite Rhod Gilbert into second place, and taking home GBP 8000 for his efforts.

Irish comedian David O'Doherty has won Britain's most prestigious comedy award for routines delivered at Scotland's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, officials say.

By Nick Barber Comedy Rhod Gilbert Mark Watson Michael McIntyre Sarah Millican All at Pleasance Courtyard EDINBURGH It hasn't been a vintage Fringe for comedy this year.

WRITER and broadcaster Clive James is to be the presenter of this year's Intelligent Finance Comedy Awards, it has been announced.

By PHIL MILLER ARTS CORRESPONDENT IT is edgy, of doubtful taste and resolutely contemporary - a perfect choice for the best joke of this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A cutting comic jab aimed at the troubled singer Amy Winehouse has been voted the funniest joke of this year's event.