Author: PressPassAdmin

16 April 2026. The winners of the Young Journalist Ireland Awards, run by NewsBrands Ireland, were announced today at a ceremony in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, celebrating the outstanding work of Transition Year students from across the country.

Hosted by journalist Róisín Ingle, prizes were awarded across six categories: Features, Opinion, Sports Journalism, Photojournalism, Podcast, and School Newspaper.

The Overall Student Journalist of the Year 2026 award was presented to Rhéa McLoughlin from Moville Community College.

Speaking about the winning piece, Chair of the Judging Panel and Editor of The Sunday Times Ireland, Kieran McDaid, said:

“This piece reminds us that powerful stories are often close to home – you don’t need a celebrity subject to produce an outstanding feature. Instead, this writer found her story within her own family, with her grandmother at its heart.”

‘From the Back Step’ is a deeply personal and insightful account of life during the Troubles, told through the memories of the writer’s grandmother growing up in the Bogside area of Derry. The feature blends personal reflection with historical context, giving readers a vivid sense of everyday life amid tension and fear. The writer approaches difficult material with honesty and care, illustrating how conflict shaped one generation while peace defines the next.”

List of 2026 Winners

Features Journalism

1^st: Rhéa McLaughlin, Moville Community College, Co. Donegal

2^nd: Cara Harkin, Moville Community College, Co. Donegal

3^rd: Sarah McCormick, Institute of Education, Dublin

Opinion Journalism

1^st: Skye Howard Hill, Avondale Community College, Co. Wicklow

2^nd: Aran Buma, Rice College, Co. Clare

3^rd: Katie Ní Mhóráin, Pobailscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, An Daingean, Co. Kerry

Photojournalism

1^st: Varvara Mavrova, St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim

2^nd: Annie Kelleher, St. Aloysius’ College, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork

3^rd: Jessica Corcoran Sheehan, St. Aloysius’ College, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork

Student Podcast

1^st: PBC Podcast, Presentation Brothers College, Cork

2^nd: Kamile Ochotnikova, Mullingar Community College
3^rd: Max Fowler, St. Brendan’s College, Killarney

School Newspaper

1^st: MCC Messenger, Moville Community College, Co. Donegal

2^nd: The Christians’ Chronicle, Christian Brothers College, Cork

3^rd: TY Voice of KCS, Kinsale Community School, Co. Cork

Sports Journalism

1^st: Lee Kortmann, Coláiste Iognáid, Galway

2^nd: Molly O’Brien, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co. Cork

3^rd Taylor Byrne, Presentation Secondary School, Wexford

The winning work can be read here: https://youngjournalist.ie/2026-young-journalist-ireland-finalists-announced/

Speaking about the programme, Chair of NewsBrands Ireland, Sammi Bourke, said:

“Sincere congratulations to all of today’s winners. The aim of our Young Journalist Ireland programme is to spark a passion for journalism in the next generation. Through the programme, students learn how to research, verify and tell stories – but just as importantly, they learn how to think critically about the information they encounter every day.

That skill has never been more important. We live in a time when misinformation can spread in seconds and when AI is rapidly changing how information is created and shared. In that environment, recognising trustworthy journalism is more important than ever.”

Commenting on the programme, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, said:

“The Young Journalist Ireland programme plays a vital role in nurturing young people’s curiosity and their willingness to engage with the world around them. It encourages students to ask questions, think critically and to look more closely at the issues that shape our society. At a time when the way we access information is constantly evolving, the opportunities to stay informed have never been greater. This brings challenges from rapidly-spreading misinformation and disinformation, making the role of responsible journalism more important than ever.

While the tools and platforms of journalism will continue to develop, its core purpose remains the same. That is to inform people and to hold those in power to account. I am committed to supporting a vibrant and trusted media sector, and I am encouraged by the talent and enthusiasm shown by the young people taking part in this programme. I want to commend the dedicated teachers and parents but most of all, congratulations to all of today’s winners. I look forward to reading, watching and listening to their work in the years ahead.”

Young Journalist Ireland is a recipient of the 2026 sponsorship scheme from Coimisiún na Meán. Speaking about the programme, Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, said:

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to all of the winners at today’s event. Coimisiún na Meán recognises the importance of high-quality journalism, and we will continue to support it through our funding schemes and by sponsoring important initiatives like the Young Journalist Ireland programme. Promoting media literacy and research skills among the next generation of journalists is a crucial step in ensuring that our population continues to have access to accurate news and current affairs reporting.”

Now in its 14th year, the Young Journalist Ireland programme reaches more than 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 how to assess sources, identify misinformation, and produce their own journalism, guided by professional journalists and editors.

Competition entries were judged by a panel of national journalists and editors, recognising both individual creativity and school-based collaboration.

We were delighted to facilitate a behind-the-scenes visit to The Irish Times for Transition Year students from Moville Community College and their English teacher Anne Browne.

The students were warmly welcomed by Irish Times Editor Ruadhán McCormaic, who generously shared his time, experience, and advice with this enthusiastic group of aspiring journalists. The visit began with a guided tour of the newsroom and podcast studios, giving students a real sense of how modern journalism operates across multiple platforms – from print and digital to audio and video.

One of the highlights of the day was sitting in on The Irish Times’ 2pm editorial conference, where editors discussed the day’s major news stories and planned online coverage as well as the following morning’s print edition. Students were fascinated to see how breaking news, audience interest, and editorial priorities come together in real-time decision-making.

The audience engagement team also spoke to students about how newsrooms reach readers in a crowded digital landscape. They explained how analytics help shape story placement, what types of content perform best online, and how The Irish Times is evolving to engage younger audiences through podcasts, video content, and shorter, more accessible formats, without compromising on quality journalism.

Major news stories discussed during the conference included Trump’s statements on Greenland, global discussions at Davos, proposed trade tariffs, Brooklyn Beckham’s recent family comments, and the upcoming Six Nations squad announcement – giving students insight into how international, national, political, and cultural stories are balanced each day.

Students asked thoughtful questions about careers in journalism, newsroom pathways, and how news organisations are adapting to changing reader habits.

The visit offered a valuable and motivating experience, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world journalism in action. Experiences like these play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of storytellers, reporters, editors, and media professionals, and we look forward to continuing to create opportunities for young people through the Young Journalist Ireland programme.

Young Journalist Ireland, the student journalism and news literacy programme from NewsBrands Ireland, has been awarded Best Media-Led Media Literacy Initiative at the 2025 Media Literacy Ireland (MLI) Awards, held yesterday at Virgin Media Ireland.

The award recognises initiatives that make a significant contribution to helping citizens develop critical media literacy skills, empowering them to engage thoughtfully and confidently with the media around them.

Judges’ Citation

“Young Journalist Ireland was described as a ‘bulls-eye’ media literacy project. The judges felt it was an excellent initiative, with clear evidence to suggest that it has been adopted successfully by many classrooms across the country.
The scale is substantial, with ten thousand participants in four hundred schools this year alone.
It clearly achieves its goal of empowering young people to create and innovate, and promotes learning and understanding by doing.
This initiative champions entries from all backgrounds and abilities, and promotes inclusion by providing special access for schools with added diversity and for schools in lower-income communities.
At the heart of the project is the production of media materials and empowerment of students through the development of media content creation skills.
The Lesson Plans are clearly thought out for a successful execution, allowing students to think creatively and be inspired, but also allowing for the appropriate discussion and review.
The adoption of CPD workshops, in-class newsrooms and expert speakers shows that the project goes above and beyond teaching the basics and has the potential to encourage some students to go on to study journalism.
The use of professional journalists in this project shows that it can connect the industry with the classroom and with real-world examples.
It has established a detailed evaluation framework at different stages of its execution, and the evidence shows that the feedback is used to refine the project as it evolves year on year.”

Celebrating Collaboration and Impact

This award is a wonderful recognition of the collective effort behind Young Journalist Ireland – from teachers and students to journalists and our member news publishers – all working together to champion the role of professional journalism in a healthy democracy.

The Media Literacy Ireland Awards highlight the vital work being done across Ireland to support citizens, especially young people and community groups, in developing the skills they need to understand, question, and create media responsibly and effectively.

For further details, go to: https://www.medialiteracyireland.ie/awards/

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.

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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

After four weeks of reading and reviewing over 500 incredible entries from every corner of the country, our judging panel has made the tough decision and selected this year’s finalists!

We want to give a huge shoutout to all the students who submitted outstanding features, powerful opinion pieces, brilliant school newspapers, stunning photography, and inspiring sports journalism. The talent, creativity, and hard work that shone through every entry was truly impressive.

If you weren’t named a finalist this time, please don’t lose heart — so much of the work was genuinely impressive, and the competition was fierce. Don’t stop now —  stay curious and keep writing and reading! 
 

2025 Young Journalist Ireland Finalists

Anna Lohunova, St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim – Photojournalism
Ava Ashman, Pobailscoil Na Trionóide, Youghal, Co. Cork – Sports Journalism
Christians Chronicle, Christian Brothers, Cork – School Newspaper
Claire Harty, Salesian College, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick – Sports Journalism
Daisy Braithwaite, Friends School, Lisburn, Co. Antrim – Opinion Journalism
Eimear Carey, St. Aloysius’ College, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork – Photojournalism
Grace Callaghan,  Pobalscoil na Trionóide, Youghal, Co. Cork – Photojournalism
Grace Callaghan, Pobalscoil na Trionóide, Youghal, Co. Cork – Features
Jessica Muphy, St. Mary’s Secondary School, Macroom, Co. Cork – Sports Journalism
Leah Vance, Our Lady’s School, Terenure, Dublin – Opinion Journalism
Pressing Matters, Presentation Secondary School, Listowel, Co. Kerry – School Newspaper
Rachel Twomey, St. Mary’s Secondary School, Macroom, Co. Cork – Features
Tara Walsh, Salerno Secondary School, Galway – Opinion Journalism
Vikoriia Sydorova, Elphin Community College, Co. Roscommon – Features
Woodbrook Word, Woodbrook College, Bray, Co. Wicklow – School Newspaper

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places will be announced at the Young Journalist Ireland Awards event on May 13th in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Teachers will be contacted this week by Newsbrands Ireland with further details on the event.

A class of Transition Year students from Coláiste Cholmcille in Ballyshannon had the opportunity this week to meet Sunday Times editor and Buncrana native Kieran McDaid for a journalism workshop.

The workshop, organised by NewsBrands Ireland as part of their Young Journalist Ireland school programme, gave students the unique opportunity to discover what happens behind the scenes in a newsroom. Kieran spoke about how he got into journalism and how the industry is innovating to reach younger audiences through a variety of platforms. Topics covered included: how journalism is attracting younger readers in an era of TikTok; the rise in citizen journalists; ethics and regulation of the press, and tips for students who wish to pursue a career in journalism.

Students from the class were also lucky enough to get advice on unique news angles for their entries and tips on what makes for a good story.

Ballyshannon has a proud history of producing journalists such as Irish Times US correspondent Keith Duggan,  Irish Daily Mail sports journalist Mark Gallagher, Fiona Dillon (former assistant news editor for the Irish Independent), Katie Gallagher, Showbix reporter with the Irish Daily Star, and Shane Dillon (deputy editor of The Impartial Reporter). Michael Daly, retired editor of the Donegal Democrat, is also from Ballyshannon.

Speaking about the workshop, English teacher Tara Dillon said:  

“Kieran delivered an engaging and insightful talk about the world of journalism. With a perfect mix of humour and expertise, he emphasised the importance of storytelling, accuracy and staying curious when writing.”

One of the students added that: “Kieran McDaid was very interesting. He used real-world examples and personal stories to bring his job to life. He explained how media has evolved and will continue to do so. He answered all our questions and gave us great advice for our competition entries. “

Sunday Times Ireland Editor Kieran McDaid has been a reporter for more than 20 years and has worked at a number of publications both regional and national. He began his journalism career in 2001 as a reporter with The Irish News in Belfast before moving to the Press Association news agency. He also had stints as Deputy News Editor at the Irish Independent, Assistant Editor (Head of Content) at the Irish News of the World, and Editor of The Irish Sun.