Attending the Launch of the 5th Annual Local Ireland Media Awards, earlier this year, were from left; Frank Mulrennan, CEO, Celtic Media Group, Paul Bradley, Head of Corporate Communications and PR National Lottery and David Ryan, President Local Ireland and Managing Director, Nenagh Guardian. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Winners of Local Ireland Media Awards are announced

The winners of the 5th Annual Local Ireland Media Awards, sponsored by the National Lottery, have been announced.

Speaking at the announcement of the winners, David Ryan, President Local Ireland, said: “This has been a year like no other. The Corona virus pandemic has wreaked havoc across the globe. However, throughout the pandemic local newspapers played a vital role in reporting accurate, trusted news to their readers in every community in the country, stated

Continuing Mr Ryan said, “despite the pandemic we had a tremendous response to this year’s awards scheme and entries in all categories were ahead of last year. The judging panel was delighted with the quality of the entries and, indeed, struggled in many categories to agree on the short list of 3 entries. However, agree they did, and it is very pleasing to see the level of excellent quality entries continue to rise."

See the winners here:

This awards scheme would not have been possible without the valued sponsorship of the National Lottery. We have enjoyed a wonderful working relationship over the past 3 years and look forward to working together in the future. Local newspapers and National Lottery are a great fit. We both serve every community in the 26 counties and the money provided through the Good Causes programme has left a lasting legacy in our communities.

I wish to thank all those who participated in this year’s awards scheme and congratulate the winners and the short listed entries”, concluded Mr Ryan.

Andrew Algeo, Chief Executive of the National Lottery joined David Ryan in his congratulations to the award winners and short listed entries and in his address said:

"The American playwright, Arthur Miller once said that “A good newspaper is a nation talking to itself.” Local newspapers are the lifeblood of communities and hold a very important place in Irish society, providing a vital service that should be cherished and supported.

"While it has never been easier for people to access news they still turn to their local newspaper for reliable, trusted information. In these challenging times of COVID-19 we have had to pay a lot more attention to the media to learn how we have had to adapt and live differently. Never before, than in the past nine months, has this access to credible information and news been more important.

"We are proud of the contribution of the National Lottery to communities through our Good Causes fund. Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back in the areas of Youth, Sports, Recreation, Amenities, Health, Welfare, Arts, Culture, National Heritage and the Irish Language. By playing National Lottery games in 2019, our players have helped us to raise €252 million for more than 4,000 local sports clubs, community organisations and charities across the country.

"Finally, I want to congratulate all of this year’s nominees and well done to all of the category winners. I hope you take this opportunity to celebrate this achievement wherever you are in the country. I only wish I could have been with you to congratulate you all in person," concluded Mr Algeo.