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
1st: Rhéa McLaughlin, Moville Community College, Co. Donegal
2nd: Cara Harkin, Moville Community College, Co. Donegal
3rd: Sarah McCormick, Institute of Education, Dublin
Opinion Journalism
1st: Skye Howard Hill, Avondale Community College, Co. Wicklow
2nd: Aran Buma, Rice College, Co. Clare
3rd: Katie Ní Mhóráin, Pobailscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, An Daingean, Co. Kerry
Photojournalism
1st: Varvara Mavrova, St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
2nd: Annie Kelleher, St. Aloysius’ College, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork
3rd: Jessica Corcoran Sheehan, St. Aloysius’ College, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork
Student Podcast
1st: PBC Podcast, Presentation Brothers College, Cork
2nd: Kamile Ochotnikova, Mullingar Community College
3rd: Max Fowler, St. Brendan’s College, Killarney
School Newspaper
1st: MCC Messenger, Moville Community College, Co. Donegal
2nd: The Christians’ Chronicle, Christian Brothers College, Cork
3rd: TY Voice of KCS, Kinsale Community School, Co. Cork
Sports Journalism
1st: Lee Kortmann, Coláiste Iognáid, Galway
2nd: Molly O’Brien, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co. Cork
3rd 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.
