The Connacht Tribune journalist takes top prize at the Local Ireland Media Awards – Connacht Tribune

Connacht Tribune journalist Stephen Corrigan is officially one of the best in the business – after scooping one of the top honors at the annual Local Ireland Media Awards last week.

Stephen was named Best Diversity Journalist for his article headlined “Breaking Down the Barriers”, in which he told the story of teenager Fionn Crombie Angus, who refuses to let his Down syndrome get in the way of his big life ambitions – including Traveling, busking and speaking his life to university students around the world.

It was one of three categories in which Stephen was shortlisted; He was nominated for Best Community Journalist and also for Best News Series.

In total, the Connacht Tribune Group received ten nominations for this year’s awards, which were presented at a gala evening at the Mullingar Park Hotel, hosted by broadcaster Marty Whelan.

Nineteen awards were presented in total, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for Kieran Walsh of the Munster Express, whose family has been associated with the Waterford-based newspaper for more than 130 years.

Dan Linehan, President of Local Ireland and Head of Irish Times Regionals, said: “This was our ninth award and the seventh sponsored by the National Lottery.

“It was a great event and I would like to thank the judges for their work and the National Lottery for their support, which has been invaluable. We had almost 600 submissions and the standard of journalism was first class.”

Cian Murphy, CEO of the National Lottery, said it was pleased to once again sponsor the Local Ireland Media Awards, recognizing “the exceptional work of local journalists and regional newspapers across the country”.

“Their commitment to informing and connecting our communities reflects the National Lottery’s commitment to supporting good causes and making a positive difference in the lives of people across Ireland,” he added.

Bob Hughes, Executive Director of Local Ireland, said: “This year’s awards were the biggest ever with new categories for diversity, sustainability and best headline. We hope to introduce even more categories next year.”

Pictured: Stephen Corrigan and the Connacht Tribune team with MC Marty Whelan at the Local Ireland Media Awards (from left) Dave O’Connell, Declan McGuire, Kieran Rabbitte, Cian O’Connell, Marty Whelan, Denise McNamara, Stephen Corrigan, Deirdre Maxwell, Corinna Hurley, Dara Bradley and Brendan Carroll.