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.
