THE Donegal News has again been singled out as one of the best local newspapers in Ireland.
Our journalist Róise Collins won at the Local Ireland Media Awards in a high-profile ceremony in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, last Thursday.
Róise was nominated in the prestigious National Lottery Best Community Story category for her story How a Daily Dip Has Changed the Lives of Swimming Friends.
After Róise received her award, which was collected on her behalf by Donegal News editor Diarmaid Doherty, she revealed her “delight” that the article highlighted the community work of the swimmers.
Donegal News editor Diarmaid Doherty collected an award at the Local Ireland Media Awards in a high-profile ceremony in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, on behalf of our journalist Róise Collins. She won the prestigious National Lottery Best Community Story for her story How a Daily Dip Has Changed the Lives of Swimming Friends
Róise said: “I am delighted to win the award, especially because the story highlighted the amazing group of people at the Boat Strand in Carrickfinn.
“For them swimming has become so much more than a hobby, it has become a community.
“Through that community, they have done so much good for the wider community, always finding ways to support and raise money for others.”
She added: “One of their main fundraising efforts was for the Donegal cancer flights and services, a vital service which came under threat earlier this year.
“Thankfully west Donegal is filled with great people who are always willing to rally together and support others.
“That spirit of community was at the heart of the story and I’m delighted that the judges could feel that too.”
North-West News Group senior business development executive Doreen Gallagher with Donegal News columnist Sabrina Sweeney, who was a nominated finalist in the Best Columnist of the Year category at the Local Ireland Media Awards in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Photo: Geraldine Oliver, Local Media Awards.
A total of 727 entries were made across 19 competitive categories for this year’s Local Ireland Media Awards.
The nominations for this year’s awards showed that our award-winning team remains at the very top, following a record number of entries.
The Donegal News was nominated in three categories at the awards: National Lottery Best Community Story, the Best Front Page, and Best Columnist of the Year categories.
Local Ireland president Sean Mahon, who is managing director of The Southern Star, said of Róise’s winning submission: “What began as a chance meeting on a Donegal shoreline has grown into a remarkable community.
“Through thoughtful reporting, the reporter brings readers into the heart of this sea swimming group, showing how a shared connection has blossomed into a powerful support network.
“The piece highlights not only the importance of community and belonging, but also that community has made a positive impact beyond its own members, raising vital funds for local cancer services and supporting others in need.
“Congratulations to our winner for bringing this important story of community to light.”
Local Ireland president Seán Mahon.
It is 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.
They were held at the Mullingar Park Hotel on September 17 with host RTE presenter Marty Whelan.
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.
Local Ireland.
Coimisiún na Meán.