Two finalists at Ireland’s regional media awards
The Westmeath Independent had two finalists at the Local Ireland Media Awards in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Thursday night.
It was the tenth annual awards and the eighth to be sponsored by the National Lottery The event was also supported by Coimisiún na Meán.
Overall 21 trophies were presented, including a special Lifetime Achievement Award for David Burke of the Tuam Herald.
Westmeath Independent columnist Navjyoti Dalal was shortlisted for the Best Diversity Journalist category for her ongoing series, 'Home Is Where the Hearth Is', whilst this newspaper was also shortlisted in the Best Advertisement Category for an advertisement for Petstop’s Opening Pawty.
President of Local Ireland Seán Mahon said: “What a fantastic night! A real celebration of everything that's great about local newspapers in Ireland.
“It was superb to see awards being won not just for news, political and sports reporting but also for special features, investigative journalism, digital innovation and creative advertising solutions.
“Well done to everyone who was nominated and to all our winners. We're privileged to have very talented, committed and passionate people who work for our local newspaper businesses.”
CEO of the National Lottery Cian Murphy said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Local Ireland Media Awards, which shine a spotlight on the outstanding work of local journalists and regional newspapers.
“With more than 700 entries this year, the standard of journalism was truly first class. Local journalism does more than report the news — it fosters trust, gives communities a voice, and helps shape a shared sense of place and belonging while also informing, connecting, and strengthening communities across the country.
“They play a vital role that reflects the National Lottery’s own commitment to supporting Good Causes and making a positive difference in people’s lives throughout Ireland.”
Coimisiún na Meán was supporting the awards for the first time this year. Media Development Commissioner Rónán O’Domhnaill said: “Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to help support the Local Ireland Awards through our Sponsorship Scheme.
“It was heartwarming and encouraging to see such vibrancy and enthusiasm amongst the members of Local Ireland at the awards.
“A thriving local media landscape is vital to a functioning democracy and in Ireland it is clear that the local newspaper industry is central to that.”
Three awards were presented to newspapers from the Celtic Media Group of titles, which includes Westmeath Independent.
Colleagues in the Meath Chronicle were winners in the Best Front Page and National Lottery Community Journalist of the Year categories (Ann Casey and Sally Harding), whilst the Anglo Celt's Seamus Enright was chosen as Best Feature Journalist of the Year.