Waterford News & Star shortlisted in four categories of major journalism awards

Nominations for this year’s Local Ireland Media Awards have been announced following a record number of entries, with the Waterford News & Star thrilled to be shortlisted in four categories.

More than 700 entries were made for this year’s awards, which introduced two new categories for Political Coverage of the Year and Young Journalist of the Year.

Waterford News & Star journalist Darragh Murphy has been nominated in the categories of Young Journalist of the Year and Best News story, for his exceptional work titled 'Have you donated to the house of horrors?'

Darragh's story detailed the neglect and abuse of animals at Déise Animal Sanctuary in Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford. Owner of the sanctuary, Ms Pat Edwards, made national news headlines last year following her guilty plea and eight-month prison sentence for multiple animal abuses which took place at the local sanctuary. In the direct aftermath of this court hearing, a GoFundMe page was organised, where over €10,000 was raised in support of Pat Edwards and the sanctuary. Ms Edwards later appealed the severity of her custodial sentence.

At the appeal hearing, the sentence was suspended for one year on condition that Ms Edwards not have possession or control of any animals save for one pet dog, and that the animal sanctuary cease operations.

The sanctuary has since closed.

The story featured exclusive insight from various parties, including ISPCA Inspectors and former proprietors of Déise Animal Sanctuary, including Pat Edwards herself.

It also included images, which showed the scale of neglect present at the sanctuary.

The article highlighted how GoFundMe fundraisers can, inadvertently or otherwise, withhold key information and potentially mislead donors.

Fr Liam Power has been nominated under the Columnist of the Year category for his column ‘Church must reassess formation programmes’.

Fr Liam Power’s fortnightly column, A Question of Faith, is a very progressive treatment of issues impacting the Catholic Church and broader society. It is impeccably researched, and provides a nuanced view of a variety of topics and themes, including this shortlisted column, which focussed on church formation programmes.

Fr Power brings together facts and research, including theological research, and imbues his columns with his own lived experience and that of his fellow members of the priesthood and religious orders.

His columns tackle national and international themes. He does not hold back in his views on challenging and difficult subject matter, delivering his viewpoints with a wisdom founded in research and careful consideration.

Fr Power's column is an essential read for both those who practice the Catholic faith, and those who don’t, no matter what their religion may be, or, indeed, if they are of no religion. It informs a better understanding – and a more rounded public conversation – on all aspects of church and faith, including the role of the Catholic Church in modern Waterford and Irish society.

Finally, the Waterford News & Star has also been shortlisted in the Best Supplement category for its excellent 'Pride of the Déise' publication.

This publication coincided with the weeklong series of events for the 2024 Pride of the Déise Festival in Waterford, which culminated in a parade through the city. The supplement included interviews and articles with a huge range of people from the LGBTQIA+ community in Waterford. 

Pride of the Déise is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run community organisation, rooted in the heart of Waterford City, which is dedicated to celebrating inclusivity and diversity. The supplement sees the Waterford News & Star team up with this community to proudly champion Waterford as a welcoming and safe space for all, with extensive coverage of the festival, from its array of speakers, interactive workshops and performances, to those behind the scenes of the festival and the stories they have to tell.

The Local Ireland Media Awards are now in their 10th year, with headline sponsor the National Lottery on board for the eighth time. This year’s awards have also received support from Coimisiún na Meán.

President of Local Ireland and Managing Director of the Southern Star Seán Mahon said: “This year's Local Ireland Media Awards have seen record entries again from talented journalist, digital and commercial local newspaper personnel across Ireland, which just goes to show how people in our industry view the prestige associated with winning a category. 

"I don't envy our judges who have a challenging job deciding on the winners due to the high quality of entries.

“I'd also like to thank the National Lottery for their continued support of these awards. Working together is a great fit because both the National Lottery and all our local newspaper members are passionate about supporting local communities.” 

The National Lottery has its own special category for Community Journalist of the Year.

Jennifer Crowe, Head of Corporate Affairs for the National Lottery, said: “The stories shortlisted for this year’s National Lottery category are a testament to the strength and spirit of communities across Ireland.

“Through the lens of local journalism, we see the heart of our society, people coming together, overcoming challenges, and making a difference. It’s an honour to help recognise these powerful community stories.” 

Media Development Commissioner Rónán Ó’Domnhaill said: “Coimisiún na Meán prioritises the availability of high-quality journalism and we are delighted to support the upcoming Local Ireland Media Awards, to recognise the talent and commitment of local newspapers and their work supporting and informing local communities.

“We believe access to good quality and trustworthy news for all citizens is critical for a well-functioning society and so far our journalism schemes have funded almost €2.2 million to Local Ireland members across the country. Coimisiún na Meán will continue to support the sector with the announcement of further journalism schemes later this year.” 

Nineteen categories reflecting the best of journalism, photography, design, digital initiatives and sales creativity are part of the judging process. A special award for Lifetime Achievement is also made on behalf of the members of Local Ireland.

Chair of the judges, author, journalist and broadcaster Alison O’Connor said: “These awards highlight the excellence and diversity of local journalism. Picking winners in the different categories is always a challenging task for the judges - from the sharpness of the news stories to the well-crafted features, interviews and columns. 

"All told, the standard shows how well communities around the country are served by their local newspapers.” 

Joining Ms O’Connor on the judging panel are broadcaster and journalist Dearbhail McDonald, Emeritus Professor at TUD Michael Foley, Dawn Wheatley of DCU School of Communications, Managing Director of Kinetic Ireland Andrew Sinclair, photographer and former Irish Times Picture Editor Frank Miller, broadcaster and writer Valerie Cox, journalist and author PJ Cunningham, novelist and newspaper columnist Dr Martina Devlin, Policy Editor of the Business Post Daniel Murray, RTÉ journalist and presenter Katie Hannon, Deputy Night Editor of the Irish Sun Gerry McCarthy and DCU lecturer Conor Tiernan.

Winners of the awards will be announced at a gala dinner at the Mullingar Park Hotel on September 11. Host for the evening will be RTÉ and Lyric FM presenter Marty Whelan.