Two gongs for Celt at Local Ireland Awards
Paul Fitzpatrick named Columnist of the Year for his Cavanman's Diary series
The Celt has taken two top gongs at this year's Local Ireland Awards for regional news publishers.
The newsteam won News Story of the Year for 'Eden's Legacy' - their coverage of the tragic death of teenager Eden Heaslip and his family's work to highlight bullying and call for action to tackle the long running issue.
Paul Fitzpatrick was named Columnist of the Year for his popular Cavanman's Diary series. The sports editor has also been shortlisted for Sports Writer of the Year but missed out on the title this year.
The night concluded with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Johnny O’Hanlon for his contribution to the industry from his work as former Managing Editor with The Anglo-Celt and his 12 years as Executive Director of Local Ireland.
Earlier in the night photographer Alex Coleman was shortlisted for Best Photograph for "Threshing it out".
It was special night for Celtic Media Group - the parent company of The Anglo-Celt - with sister titles nominated in many categories and also winning awards.
The Chronicle scooped the 'Best Use of Digital Media' award for its coverage of the live stream coverage of the homecoming of the victorious All-Ireland winning Meath Ladies Senior Football Team in 2021.
The Chronicle enjoyed six nominations as part of an overall 14 nomination for Celtic Media Group titles.
The Westmeath Independent sales team won Best Advertising Campaign.
Celt Editor Linda O'Reilly is delighted with the wins.
"It is such a honour to win one of the top awards - News Story of the Year. It reflects on our sensitive coverage of the death of Eden Heaslip and his family's campaign to raise awareness of bullying and change the law in this area. We hope this award puts the spotlight on this important issue once again and further promotes their important 'Be Buddies Not Bullies' campaign.
"Paul Fitzpatrick is thoroughly deserving of the title Columnist of the Year. His Cavanman's Diary columns are one of the most popular elements of our weekly print edition. They engage, entertain and stimulate us all. Paul is simply a brilliant writer and the Celt is lucky to have him on our team!"
The three columns Paul Fitzpatrick has been shortlisted for in the Columnist of the Year Category are as follows:
Staying Safe in Lockdown, 2031
Trust is the key to media's future
Lifting so much more than just a cup
President of Local Ireland Declan McGuire said: “We are delighted to have had more than 600 entries this year, which is a record.
“It reflects the huge popularity of the awards and the intense competition to get a nomination.
“We are grateful to the National Lottery for their continued support and I want to thank all our judges for their time in considering so many entries.”
The awards were sponsored by the National Lottery and staged in the Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
The judging panel was chaired by entrepreneur and broadcaster Áine Kerr while the events was MC'd by the indomitable Marty Morrissey.
For more see next week's Anglo-Celt print edition.