Dublin, 13 May 2025 – The winners of the Young Journalist Ireland awards, run by NewsBrands Ireland, were announced today at a ceremony in the Aviva Stadium, celebrating the outstanding work of secondary school students across the country. Hosted by journalist Matt Cooper, prizes were awarded across five categories: Features, Opinion, Sports Journalism, Photojournalism, and School Newspaper.
The Overall Student Journalist of the Year 2025 was awarded to Grace Callaghan (pictured) of Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co. Cork for her courageous and deeply personal feature recounting her journey through scoliosis diagnosis, surgery, and recovery.
Speaking about her winning piece, Chair of the Judging Panel and Business Post Editor Daniel McConnell said:
“Grace Callaghan demonstrated an ability to write a truly evocative piece about wrestling with preconceptions around body image and seeing scars not as imperfections but as symbols of resilience in the face of adversity.”
Judges’ citation: This year’s winning feature is a courageous and deeply personal journey through scoliosis diagnosis, surgery, and recovery. This piece stands out for its ability to reframe a medical condition not as a limitation but as an opportunity for growth. Grace challenges societal ideals of perfection and instead offers a powerful message: that scars, far from being blemishes, are markers of survival, strength, and authenticity. Her story does not just inform—it uplifts and empowers.
Now in its 13th year and formerly known as Press Pass, the Young Journalist Ireland programme reaches over 10,000 Transition Year students annually. The initiative is designed to build media literacy skills, foster critical thinking, and inspire the next generation of journalists. Students learn to assess sources, identify misinformation, and create their own journalism, guided by professional journalists and editors.
The competition entries were judged by a panel of national journalists and editors, recognising both individual creativity and school-based collaboration.
Young Journalist Ireland Awards 2025 – Winners
Overall Student Journalist of the Year
Grace Callaghan, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co. Cork
School Newspaper
1st Place: Christians Chronicle, Christian Brothers College, Cork
2nd Place: Woodbrook Word, Woodbrook College, Bray, Co. Wicklow
3rd Place: Pressing Matters, Presentation Secondary School, Listowel, Co. Kerry
Opinion
1st Place: Tara Walsh, Salerno Secondary School, Galway
2nd Place: Daisy Braithwaite, Friends’ School, Lisburn
3rd Place: Leah Vance, Our Lady’s Secondary School, Terenure
Sports Journalism
1st Place: Jessica Murphy, St Mary’s Secondary School, Macroom, Co. Cork
2nd Place: Claire Harty, Salesian College, Limerick
3rd Place: Ava Ashman, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co. Cork
Features
1st Place: Grace Callaghan, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co. Cork
2nd Place: Vikoriia Sydorova, Elphin Community College, Co. Roscommon
3rd Place: Rachel Twomey, St Mary’s Secondary School, Macroom, Co. Cork
Photojournalism
1st place: Anna Lohunova, St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
2nd Place: Eimear Carey, St. Aloysius’ College, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork
3rd Place: Grace Callaghan, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co. Cork
