THE Donegal News has again been singled out as one of the best local newspapers in Ireland.
In recent years, the Donegal News has maintained a proud record of regularly winning awards in recognition of its award-winning journalism that is “trusted to tell it right, wherever we tell it”.
And the newly released nominations for this year’s Local Ireland Media Awards shows that our award-winning team remains at the very top, following a record number of entries.
Our journalist Róise Collins has been nominated in the National Lottery Best Community Story category for her story How a Daily Dip Has Changed the Lives of Swimming Friends.
The awards, which are for 2025, have also nominated The Donegal News for having the Best Front Page.
Our edition of Monday, July 28, 2025, followed the captured the heartbreaking loss suffered in the All-Ireland Football Final by the Donegal GAA men’s senior team and felt by fans.
One word perfectly summed the feeling across the county: “Gutted.”
The Columnist of the Year category is another proud nomination with Sabrina Sweeney’s perceptive and insightful column Fresh Take selected by the judging panel.
Local Ireland president Seán Mahon, who is managing director of The Southern Star, said: “It’s great to see these important awards continuing to thrive.
“The evidence is clear – this year saw the highest number of entries we’ve ever received across all the different categories.
“However, they all share one thing in common: the vitally important role we have in serving local communities by communicating the news that matters to our readers’ lives.”
A total of 727 entries were made across 19 competitive categories for the Local Ireland Media Awards.
This will be the 11th year of the awards and the ninth to be sponsored by the National Lottery.
The awards are also supported by the media commission, Coimisiún na Meán.
Local Ireland.
Coimisiún na Meán.
The National Lottery’s Jennifer Crowe said: “This year’s shortlist for the National Lottery Best Community Story reflects the strength and spirit of communities across Ireland.
“Through the lens of local journalism, we see people coming together, supporting one another, and making a real difference in the lives of those around them.
“Local journalism plays a vital role in helping to uncover these stories and ensure the people behind them are recognised. It’s an honour to help celebrate their impact.”
Donegal News editor Diarmaid Doherty, former reporter Louise Doyle, sports editor Ryan Ferry, and admin executive Doreen Gallagher.
Donegal News sports editor Ryan Ferry with his award.
The Donegal News reported in June that new research identified local news publishers as among the most trusted sources of news in Ireland.
This includes the award-winning Donegal News.
Local newspapers were highlighted as highly valued sources of trusted news in a prestigious report by international news agency Reuters.
The Reuters Digital News Report 2026 found that local newspapers and their online channels are among the most trusted in the country.
It showed that 69 per cent of those surveyed trust their local newspapers.
Local Ireland president Seán Mahon said: “Local newspaper brands, both in print and online, continue to be amongst the most trusted media brands in Ireland.”
In recent years, the Donegal News has maintained a proud record of regularly winning awards in recognition of its award-winning journalism that is “trusted to tell it right, wherever we tell it”.
Last year, our sports editor Ryan Ferry was named Sports Journalist of the Year at the Local Ireland Media Awards and our former news editor Louise Doyle was nominated for both Feature Journalist of the Year and News Story of the Year.
In 2024, our editor Diarmaid Doherty, journalist Louise Doyle, and senior business development executive Gary Doherty-McClenaghan were all nominated for awards by Local Ireland.
This year’s award winners will be announced at a gala event at the Mullingar Park Hotel on September 17 with host Marty Whelan, the famed RTÉ Lyric Fm presenter.
The latest Local Ireland Awards were launched by, pictured in main photo, Dawn Wheatley, Seán Mahon, Sarah Orr of the National Lottery, and Elizabeth Farrelly of Coimisiún na Meán.