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, yesterday (Thursday).
Róise was nominated in the National Lottery Best Community Story category for her story How a Daily Dip Has Changed the Lives of Swimming Friends.
Local Ireland president Sean Mahon, who is managing director of The Southern Star, said: “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.”
The Donegal News has regularly won awards for its excellent journalism, with sports editor Ryan Ferry named Sports Journalist of the Year last year at the Local Ireland Media Awards.
In recent years, the Donegal News has maintained a proud record of regularly earning recognition of its award-winning journalism.
The Donegal News was nominated in three categories at the recent awards, including the Best Front Page and Best Columnist of the Year categories.
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.
A total of 727 entries were made across 19 competitive categories for this year’s Local Ireland Media Awards.
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.