The Waterford News and Star scoops seven Local Ireland Media Awards nominations

The Waterford News and Star has been nominated for an incredible seven awards at the 2026 Local Ireland Media Awards.

The Local Ireland Media Awards are in it’s 11th year and recognise excellence in local reporting, photography and advertising.

Darragh Murphy is nominated in the Young Journalist of the Year category.

Darragh won the category prize last year as well as Best News Story.

The Waterford News and Star and photographer Noel Browne are nominated for Best Use of Photography for a sport front page Déise Abú.

The paper along with Yuliia Siderova were nominated for Best Use of Digital for Scenes from the Déise.

Jordan Norris is nominated for Sports Journalist of the Year, while Libby Marchant is up for Best News Series for her work on the loss of pathologists in Waterford.

Shannon Sweeney is nominated for Feature Journalist of the Year.

Deputy and Digital Editor Brendan Keane is shortlisted for in the National Lottery Best Community Story for his piece Tallow Men’s Shed Is a Haven of Positivity and Social Engagement.

Speaking following the announcement, Brendan said the volume and diversity of categories the Waterford News and Star is shortlisted in is reflective of what the paper stands for.

“We're absolutely delighted to receive seven nominations in this year's awards.

“The fact that the nominations are also spread across a broad section of categories is indicative of the standard and type of coverage we always strive to achieve across the city and county,” said Brendan.

This year’s awards saw a record 727 entries across 19 categories.

In total, 69 publications were nominated, and 22 of those went to Irish Times Regional Group papers and an additional three to The Echo under the Irish Examiner.

“Congratulations to all of our fellow nominees in publications around the country and we wish all of them the best of luck, while obviously hoping we will pick up some awards to take back to the Déise on the night,” said Brendan.

The 11th annual Local Ireland Media Awards will take place at the Mullingar Park Hotel on September 17 with host, RTÉ Lyric FM presenter Marty Whelan.

They are sponsored by the National Lottery and supported by the Media Commission, Coimisiún na Meán.

President of Local Ireland and Managing Director of The Southern Star Seán Mahon said: “It's great to see these important awards continuing to thrive.

“The evidence is clear - this year saw the highest number of entries we've ever received across all the different categories.

“However, they all share one thing in common, the vitally important role we have in serving local communities by communicating the news that matters to our readers' lives. Thank you to everyone who entered and good luck to those nominated as finalists,” said Mr Mahon.

The awards include a Lifetime Achievement award that is presented on behalf of the Local Ireland committee, and there is also a Best Community Story award, selected by a panel from the National Lottery.

National Lottery Head of Corporate Affairs Jennifer Crowe said the shortlist for the National Lottery Best Community Story reflects the strength and spirit of communities across Ireland.

“Through the lens of local journalism, we see people coming together, supporting one another, and making a real difference in the lives of those around them.

“Local journalism plays a vital role in helping to uncover these stories and ensure the people behind them are recognised. It's an honour to help celebrate their impact."

Chair of the judging panel Dawn Wheatley of Dublin City University School of Communications praised the the quality of entries.

"Once again, the quality of entries this year has been exceptional. Our judging panel had a genuinely difficult task narrowing down the shortlist, with several categories more competitive than ever.

“It's a real credit to the reporters, photographers, editors, production and commercial staff involved that standards continue to rise year on year.

“These entries are proof that trusted, on-the-ground journalism still matters enormously to the communities it serves, holding power to account, telling the stories that matter, and giving an essential voice to their readers," said Ms Wheatley.

The judging panel also includes:

• RTÉ presenter and journalist Katie Hannon
• Managing Editor of journal.ie Susan Daly
• RTÉ presenter and journalist Sarah McInerney
• Emeritus Professor at TUD Michael Foley
• Photographer and former Irish Times Picture Editor Frank Miller
• Broadcaster and writer Valerie Cox
• Journalist Author PJ Cunningham
• Novelist and newspaper columnist Dr Martina Devlin 
• DCU lecturer and former journalist Conor Tiernan
• Policy Editor of the Business Post Daniel Murray, 
• Deputy Night Editor of the Irish Sun Gerry McCarthy 
• Managing Director of Kinetic Ireland Andrew Sinclair