Celt shortlisted for six Local Ireland awards
Local Ireland Awards shortlist announced
The Anglo-Celt has been shortlisted for six awards for this year's Local Ireland Media Awards including Best News Series and Best Feature.
The competition, run by the umbrella group for regional news publishers in Ireland, is regarded in the industry as the Oscars of local journalism in Ireland.
Celt editor Linda O'Reilly said she was thrilled with the shortlist.
"From news to features, advertising to photography and digital to innovation, the Celt team has been shortlisted in a broad range of categories.
"Our team put in enormous effort to serve the community and shine a light on issues and stories that make a difference in the lives of real people. We do that both in print and online weekly, daily, hourly."
Ms O'Reilly congratulated all those involved in the awards and thanked the readers and advertisers of the Celt for their continued support.
"Journalism truly matters and these awards seek to celebrate the best in local and regional journalism.
The Celt is a trusted source but we exist for our readers. Without an engaged audience, our raison d'etre would cease to exist. So thank you all."
The Celt team has been shortlisted in the following categories:
BEST PHOTOGRAPH
Lorraine Teevan for her photo 'Happy Campers'
BEST LOCAL ADVERTISEMENT
Cavan Credit Union
BEST INNOVATION
Leona Maguire Wraparound
BEST NEWS SERIES
Cavan Hydrotherapy Pool by Eddie Butler
‘It’s desperately needed’ - mum
Hydrotherapy pool set to reopen
BEST USE OF DIGITAL
Go Wild photo and video series
FEATURE JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Seamus Enright for his feature on the Staines Air Disaster
Staines air disaster remembered 50 years on
The Celt faces stiff competition including from some of its sister titles in Celtic Media Group including Meath Chronicle, Westmeath Examiner and Connacht Telegraph.
It follows on from the success of The Anglo-Celt last team with two top gongs claimed at the previous awards.
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.
Two gongs for Celt at Local Ireland Awards
President of Local Ireland and Head of Irish Times Regionals, Dan Linehan said: “We are delighted with the number and quality of the entries in this year’s Local Ireland Media Awards.
“It reflects the professionalism, quality and skillset across the newsrooms of regional newspapers in Ireland who provide the highest quality local news and sports coverage in print and online every day and every week to our readers."
Mr Linehan also thanked the judging panel and the sponsors of the awards The National Lottery.
Executive Director of Local Ireland, Bob Hughes, said that more than 400 entries had been received across 14 categories recognising excellence in journalism, photography, digital content, advertising, sales, design and innovation.
Chair of the judges, journalist, author and broadcaster Alison O’Connor, also commented on the "excellent" quality of regional journalism in Ireland.
“From front pages to news stories, to columnists, features and photographs, readers are so well served by their local publications.
“There is breadth and depth across the range, from the hard-hitting news articles to the softer features – all giving an important insight into the heart of our local communities. Picking just a few nominees for each category was often a highly challenging task. But those nominated show the many examples of excellence to be found in regional publishing.”
The judging panel also includes 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, and journalist and author PJ Cunningham.
Winners of the awards will be announced at a gala event at Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar, on Thursday September 21.