Irish Examiner wins Front Page of the Year at Irish Journalism Awards 2023
David From Ombudsman Joel Grady, Susan Mckay, The Picture: Strategic Award Partnerships Uk/ie Press And Photography Tecleab, Examiner's At O’mahony Fennell Receiving The Claire Google
The tribute to the late Vicky Phelan picked up the award for Front Page of the Year at the Irish Journalism Awards on Wednesday evening.
The page, which featured a black-and-white photo of the late cervical cancer campaigner above an article entitled 'Thank You Vicky' by Irene Feighan, was published on November 15, 2022 — the day after her passing.
Assistant editor in production David O'Mahony, who designed the page, collected the award at the awards ceremony in the Mansion House in Dublin which, coincidentally, took place exactly a year later.
The industry awards were hosted by broadcaster Matt Cooper.
Entry to the awards was open to any work published in print, online, video, or audio from national newspapers or digital news members of The Press Council of Ireland with a focus on national/ international news.
The received a total of 15 nominations across the various categories.
Claire Grady, chairwoman of the Judging Panel at Newsbrands, said that the winners "represent the best of journalism in Ireland."
She added: "Many underscore the role of journalists as watchdogs in our society.”
The Journalist of the Year award was given to Sally Hayden of the Irish Times.
Speaking about the awards, Newsbrands CEO Ann Marie Lenihan said: "It is crucial that we reward and highlight the work of journalists and news publishers, particularly at a time when journalism is under pressure from multiple sources.
"This year’s shortlisted works exemplify the strengths of modern journalism and its ability to inform, educate, and entertain audiences through a variety of platforms."
Niamh Smyth TD, who is chairwoman of the Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, told attendees: "Interrogating power, holding the powerful to account, and providing access and insight is an essential part of an open functioning society.
"It is frequently imperfect. It is often messy. It is always necessary. This event is a celebration of you who perform that public good — and I salute you."