Success on the double at Local Ireland Media Awards

The Tuam Herald were finalists in four categories

THE Tuam Herald newsroom is celebrating success on the double at this year’s Local Ireland Media Awards where it took the top awards for Best Front Page and Best Use of Photography.

The paper was also delighted to have been among the finalists in contention for two other categories. Journalist Neha Kumari was shortlisted for Diversity Journalist of the Year while Mary Ryan’s Women Who Dared 5 was a contender for Best Supplement of the Year.

Overall, there were 19 competitive categories that attracted more than 700 entries from local newspapers all around the country.

The Best Use of Photography award was presented for a Tuam Herald front page published following Storm Éowyn last year. It featured a standout and dramatic photograph taken by staff photographer Ray Ryan of local farmer TJ Gormley in front of the giant roots of a 300-year-old Lime tree that was uprooted during the high-speed winds.

Editor Siobhán Holliman accepted the award for Best Front Page which focused on a poignant photograph and story relating to the sealing of the site of the former Tuam Mother and Baby Home ahead of the forensic excavation getting underway.

The judges' commendation read: "A haunting front page marking the beginning of the dig for infants buried in the Tuam Mother and Baby Home. The partial image of a digger behind a fence evokes a sense of dread as to what will be discovered."

President of Local Ireland and Managing Director of the Southern Star, Seán Mahon, said: “It was great to see both experienced and young journalists, as well as talented digital and advertising personnel, winning awards for the excellent work they do for their respective local newspapers.

“Ultimately, the key message that 'life is local' came through again and again at the event and reinforced how vitally important the role of local newspapers is in connecting, informing and supporting local communities across Ireland.”

The awards, sponsored by the National Lottery and supported by Coimisiún na Meán, were held at the Mullingar Park Hotel, included a video address by the Taoiseach who recognised the vital role that local newspapers and their digital and social channels play in reporting and supporting communities.

Key role of local newspapers

CEO of the National Lottery Cian Murphy said the awards celebrate the storytellers who help showcase the people and communities making a difference across Ireland.

The key role of local newspaper was again highlighted by Sinead Crowley, Director of Media Development at Coimisiún na Meán.

“Local newspapers play a key role in our communities, delivering trustworthy and high quality journalism on issues that impact the lives of people across Ireland.

“We are proud to support this work through our journalism and news reporting schemes. The standard of entries for these awards is a reflection of the dedication of those working in the sector, with this year's winners offering us a snapshot of the talent and innovation of an industry bringing us stories that matter,” remarked Ms Crowley.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to the former Operations Manager of The Connacht Tribune Declan McGuire.

Chair of the Judging Panel, Dawn Wheatley of DCU, said: “It was wonderful to hear from so many of the winners about the motivation and meaning behind their work.

“More than that, you could feel the passion and support for the industry in the room, a reminder that even as journalism continues to change, the commitment to doing it well remains as strong as ever.”