Laois Nationalist in the running for media award
The Laois Nationalist headline - ‘Stanley Knifed’ - that caught the attention of the judging panel in this year Local Ireland Media Awards
STAFF at the Laois Nationalist were celebrating after the paper was shortlisted and nominated for an award at this year’s Local Ireland Media Awards following a record number of more than 700 entries.
The Laois Nationalist is vying with four other regional newspapers for the title of Headline of the Year Award.
The newspaper ran the headline Title ‘Stanley Knifed’ during the debacle between Sinn Féin and Laois TD Brian Stanley in October last year.
The other three newspapers in the Best Headline category are the Southern Star with ‘Mná-some’; The Connacht Tribune with its headline ‘Gaillimh Ogbú’ and the Tipperary Star ‘Bullet of a shot.’
Expressing his delight at being nominated for an award, the Laois Nationalist Deputy Editor Chris Fingleton said: “It’s a great honour for all the staff at the newspaper, from the journalists, advertising and production staff to be recognised for the work they put into our weekly newspaper and daily e-paper.
“Here in the Laois Nationalist, we put in every effort and experience into bringing the best quality newspaper to the people of Laois and beyond.”
Chair of the judges, author, journalist and broadcaster Alison O’Connor said that the awards highlighted ‘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.
The awards are 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 highlighted the "record entries again from talented journalist, digital and commercial local newspaper personnel across Ireland", which, he said, went to show "how people in our industry view the prestige associated with winning a category".
“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,” added Jennifer Crowe, Head of Corporate Affairs for the National Lottery.
Media Development Commissioner Rónán Ó’Domnhaill said that Coimisiún na Meán, which prioritised the availability of high-quality journalism, was 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’.
The 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.
