Meath Chronicle Duo Win Community Journalist of the Year Award at Local Ireland Media Awards 2025
Meath Chronicle picked up two Local Ireland Media Awards at a gala dinner sponsored by the National Lottery at the Mullingar Park Hotel last night )Thursday 11th September.)
It was the tenth annual awards and was this year also supported by Coimisiún na Meán with 21 trophies presented, including a special Lifetime Achievement Award for David Burke of the Tuam Herald.
The National Lottery Community Journalist of the Year Award was awarded to the Chronicle's Ann Casey and Sally Harding- their winning entry told the story of a Monster Tractor Run, a remarkable community event in Bohermeen and Fordstown in August 2024, which saw more than 500 tractors, trucks, and vintage cars take to the roads, raising over €220,000 for cancer and suicide prevention charities. The coverage captured the power of local communities coming together in support of vital causes, while preserving the spirit, resilience, and generosity of rural Ireland.
Commenting on their award, Ann Casey and Sally Harding said:
“It was a privilege to talk to the people involved in this huge community event - they were bravely battling their own illnesses and grieving the loss of loved ones but went all out to raise funds for the charities close to their hearts."
The paper's front page 'Death of a Statesman' on the funeral of former Taoiseach and Dunboyne native, John Bruton in February of 2024 was the winner of the Best Front page accolade.
President of Local Ireland Seán Mahon said: “What a fantastic night! A real celebration of everything that's great about local newspapers in Ireland.
“It was superb to see awards being won not just for news, political and sports reporting but also for special features, investigative journalism, digital innovation and creative advertising solutions. “Well done to everyone who was nominated and to all our winners. We're privileged to have very talented, committed and passionate people who work for our local newspaper businesses.”
CEO of the National Lottery Cian Murphy said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Local Ireland Media Awards, which shine a spotlight on the outstanding work of local journalists and regional newspapers.
"Ann Casey and Sally Harding’s coverage of the Monster Tractor Run is a perfect example of why local journalism matters — telling the stories that bring communities together, reflect their spirit, and ensure voices are heard. Local journalism is more than news; it’s the heartbeat of towns and villages across Ireland.”
“With more than 700 entries this year, the standard of journalism was truly first class. Local journalism does more than report the news — it fosters trust, gives communities a voice, and helps shape a shared sense of place and belonging while also informing, connecting, and strengthening communities across the country.
Coimisiún na Meán was supporting the awards for the first time this year. Media Development Commissioner Rónán O’Domhnaill said: “Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to help support the Local Ireland Awards through our Sponsorship Scheme.
“It was heartwarming and encouraging to see such vibrancy and enthusiasm amongst the members of Local Ireland at the awards.
“A thriving local media landscape is vital to a functioning democracy and in Ireland it is clear that the local newspaper industry is central to that.”
Meath Chronicle editor, Gavan Becton said he was "delighted" with the awards received by the paper and for colleagues, Ann Caseyand Sally Harding on winning their National Lottery Community Journalist of the Year Award.
Some of Ireland’s leading media professionals make up the awards’ judging panel.
Chair, author, journalist and broadcaster Alison O’Connor told the audience: “Local journalism matters enormously. It happens in the courtroom, the council chamber, the parish hall. It captures the highs and lows of community life—the joy of a local sporting triumph, the heartbreak of job losses, the significance of a planning decision that will shape a town’s future.
“And it’s evolving. Stories are being told in fresh ways—through podcasts, TikTok, QR codes—and our increasingly diverse communities are being reflected more and more in the pages of local titles right across the country."
The judging panel also comprises: RTÉ presenter and journalist Katie Hannon, DCU journalism lecturer Conor Tiernan, 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 and Deputy Night Editor of the Irish Sun Gerry McCarthy.
Executive Director of Local Ireland Bob Hughes said: “The awards reflect the high standards of journalism, production and commercial acumen in local newspapers and their online products right across Ireland.
“Competition for the awards is very strong, so everyone who receives a nomination is a winner. I want to thank the National Lottery for their continued support, Coimisiún na Meán for its support for the event and for our sector, and everyone who helped make the awards a very special event.”