Meath Chronicle nominated for nine Local Ireland Media Awards

Meath Chronicle has been nominated for a record NINE local Ireland Media Awards.

Winners of the awards will be announced at a gala dinner at the Mullingar Park Hotel on Thursday, 11th September.

More than 700 entries were made for this year’s awards now in their tenth year with its headline sponsors 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.”

Jennifer Crowe, Head of Corporate Affairs for the National Lottery, said: ““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.”

Meath Chronicle Editor, Gavan Becton said: "I'm absolutely delighted and beyond proud that Meath Chronicle has been shortlisted in no less than NINE categories, an incredible achievement and reflection of the professionalism and high standards we strive for each week.”

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.”

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.

Host for the evening will be RTÉ and Lyric FM presenter Marty Whelan.

The Meath Chronicle nominees are as follows...

Best News Series - Ann Casey & Gavan Becton - Tara Mines Return to Work

Best Sustainability Journalist - Sally Harding - Mornington Dunes

Best Front Page - Death of a Statesman

Best Photo - Gerry Shanahan - Ben Hurl

Best Use of Photography - Star Attraction / (Gerry Shanahan) Ratoath player Daithi McGowan autographs the hurling sticks of fans

Columnist of Year - Paul Hopkins

Best Innovation - Lives Remembered

Best National Lottery Community Journalist - Sally Harding/Ann Casey - Monster Tractor Run

Best Ad - John Lynch Carpets.