Double delight for Western People at media awards
Anthony Hennigan receives his award for Sports Journalist of the Year. Also pictured are, from left: Sean Mahon, President of Local Ireland; Cian Murphy, CEO of the National Lottery Cian Murphy; Sinead Crowley, Director of Media Development for Coimisiún na Mean; PJ Cunningham, adjudicator and MC Marty Whelan.
The was among the winners at the 2026 Local Ireland Media Awards with Anthony Hennigan winning the Sports Journalist of the Year Award while the newspaper's advertising team were honoured for Best Innovation with their Lunch & Learn initiative.
Ballina native Declan Maguire, who recently retired as general manager of the , also received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The event, which is in its 11th year, was sponsored by the National Lottery and also supported by Coimisiún na Meán. The awards, held at the Mullingar Park Hotel, included a video address by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin who recognised the vital role that local newspapers and their digital and social channels play in reporting and supporting communities.
President of Local Ireland and managing director of the , Seán Mahon, said: “This year's Local Ireland Media Awards were another resounding success!
“It was great to see both experienced and young journalists, as well as talented digital and advertising personnel, winning awards for the excellent work they do for their respective local newspapers.
“Ultimately, the key message that 'life is local' came through again and again at the event and reinforced how vitally important the role of local newspapers is in connecting, informing and supporting local communities across Ireland.”
CEO of the National Lottery Cian Murphy said: “At the National Lottery, we see every day how people, passion and purpose can transform communities.
“Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, thousands of good causes across Ireland help strengthen communities, support health and wellbeing, and preserve our arts, heritage and culture. Behind every project, club and organisation is a story of people making an extraordinary difference in the lives of others.
“We are proud of our partnership with the Local Ireland Media Awards and celebrate the storytellers who help showcase the people and communities making a difference across Ireland.
“The work recognised at this year's awards reflects the strength of local journalism and its enduring role in informing, connecting and strengthening communities nationwide.”
Coimisiún na Meán is supporting local journalism through several schemes, including those for Local Democracy, Courts Reporting, News Reporting, and digital training and transformation.
Director of Media Development for the Coimisiún Sinéad Crowley said: ““Coimisiún na Meán was delighted to sponsor and attend this year's Local Ireland Media Awards.
“Local newspapers play a key role in our communities, delivering trustworthy and high quality journalism on issues that impact the lives of people across Ireland.
“We are proud to support this work through our journalism and news reporting schemes. The standard of entries for these awards is a reflection of the dedication of those working in the sector, with this year's winners offering us a snapshot of the talent and innovation of an industry bringing us stories that matter."
The was nominated in five categories - Sports Journalist (Anthony Hennigan), Feature Journalist (Edwin McGreal), Sustainability (Mark Godfrey), Best Innovation and Best Advertising Series.
