Westmeath Independent shortlisted for two Local Ireland media awards

Westmeath Independent has been shortlisted in two categories of the prestigious Local Ireland Media Awards which recognise and celebrate excellence.

The Westmeath Independent is shortlisted in the category Best Supplement for its commemorative publication marking the 100th anniversary of the burning of the paper and its print works by British Crown Forces.

Also shortlisted in this category are Western People, Waterford News and Star and Mayo News.

The paper is also shortlisted in the Best Use of Social Media category for an initiative during the initial lockdown when editor Tadhg Carey fronted a television news-style programme live on Facebook using innovative broadcasting technology.

The initiative, 'Midlands TV News', faces competition from Drogheda Independent, Western People and Connacht Tribune in this category.

In total more than 500 entries were received in 14 editorial and commercial categories across print and digital publications.

Local Ireland is the umbrella group for some 42 regional news titles.

Other sister titles in the Celtic Media Group stable, Meath Chronicle, Anglo Celt and Connaught Telegraph also received nominations in some of the categories.

Chair of the judging panel Áine Kerr said: “Over the last two years when the world felt chaotic and unpredictable, what was consistent and stable in people’s everyday lives was their local newspaper.

“This year’s nominees demonstrate the capacity of local Irish newspapers to rise to meet unprecedented challenges and provide public service-driven and quality journalism. The nominees represent the very best of local Irish journalism today.”

The awards, which are sponsored by the National Lottery, will be held on Thursday November 11 at Bloomfield House Hotel, near Mullingar.

National Lottery Chief Executive Officer Andrew Algeo said: “At the National Lottery, we are incredibly proud of our association with the Local Ireland Media Awards which continue to recognise the important role of local journalism in our society.

“Local media in Ireland has a long and proud tradition of producing trusted and outstanding journalists and these awards rightly recognise these journalists and their colleagues who perform a vital public service through ground-breaking reporting at a time when we need it most.

“This is our fourth year of sponsorship for the Local Ireland Awards and we are particularly honoured to be judging our own special award for the Best Community Story.”

The awards will be presented on the night by the President of Local Ireland, Declan McGuire of the Connacht Tribune.

Mr McGuire said: “Every nomination is an achievement in itself and those named should be rightly proud of reaching the shortlist.

“As the judges have said, the standard of entries has been extremely high. I want to thank and congratulate all those who entered the awards for their contribution to the high standards of professional journalism that we see in all our member titles.

“It is thanks to everyone’s efforts that we continue to play such a valued part in our communities across the country.”