Pictured with the Regional Newspaper of the Year award, in November 2012, is The Connaught Telegraph editor, Tom Gillespie (left), Bill Paterson, print director, Celtic Media Print, and The Connaught Telegraph deputy editor, Tom Kelly.

The Connaught Telegraph scoops Regional Newspaper of the Year award

The Connaught Telegraph has scooped the prestigious Regional Newspaper of the Year award for the first time. The leading Mayo newspaper was presented with the accolade at the 35th Irish Print Awards, held at the Clyde Court Hotel in Dublin.

It was won in conjunction with the publication’s print partners, Celtic Media Print, Navan, and the Celtic Media pre-press team in Mullingar. Celtic Media consists of the Westmeath Examiner, Meath Chronicle, Anglo Celt, Westmeath Independent, Offaly Independent and Forum.

The Connaught Telegraph had been shortlisted in the regional newspapers category with The Mayo News, The Impartial Reporter, The Galway Independent and The Cork Independent.

The editor of The Connaught Telegraph, Tom Gillespie, said the newspaper is thrilled with the recognition as it follows a very successful revamp and redesign last year. He said: “The award reflects the amount of tireless work and the many changes we have put in place to ensure our readers and advertisers get a quality newspaper every week with interesting content and reader-friendly design, and one that is well printed. “It is of great assurance to us that our advertisers and contributors, including our editorial and sales staff, are guaranteed the best standard of print and reproduction possible. “It is fitting that we should thank everybody who has helped us to achieve such a magnificent distinction and we look forward to maintaining and exceeding such high standards into the future.”

The Irish Print Awards, sponsored by the Irish Printer, recognise excellence in print as well as overall design and presentation for those involved in the industry on an all-Ireland basis. Kiltimagh-based firm, KPS Colour Print, was shortlisted in the annual reports category.