Laois Nationalist makes headlines after winning national media award
The headline in the Laois Nationalist - 'Stanley Knifed' - that caught the eye of the judging panel in this year's Local Ireland Media Awards
STAFF at the are celebrating after they made the headlines on Thursday night when the paper won ‘Headline of the Year’ award at this year’s Local Ireland Media Awards.
The was up against four other regional newspapers for the title of 'Headline of the Year' award following a record number of more than 700 entries nationwide. The newspaper ran the headline ‘Stanley Knifed’ during the debacle between Sinn Féin and Laois TD Brian Stanley in October last year.
Expressing his delight at the win, deputy editor Chris Fingleton, said: “It’s a great honour for the and particularly all the staff at the newspaper, from the journalists, advertising and production staff to be recognised for the hard work they put into our weekly newspaper and our e-paper.
“Here in the , we put in a great effort and our years of 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,” she said.
The awards are now in their tenth year, with 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 ‘record entries again from talented journalists, 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’.
Jennifer Crowe, Head of Corporate Affairs for the National Lottery, commented: “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 that Coimisiún na Meán, which prioritises 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 were announced at a gala dinner in the Mullingar Park Hotel on 11 September. Host for the evening will be RTÉ and Lyric FM presenter Marty Whelan.
