DONEGAL News journalist Ryan Ferry has been named Sports Journalist of the Year at the Local Ireland Media Awards, sponsored by the National Lottery.

Ryan, who first began contributing to the Donegal News in 2013, became a full-time member of staff two years later. He was appointed Sports Editor in 2022.

The Milford man, living in Rathmullan, was honoured with the national award at a gala event at the Mullingar Park Hotel on Thursday, September 11.

Ryan’s award-winning work, which drew high praise from the judges, included standout pieces such as ‘Boyce now feels part of adopted community’, ‘Committed Ó Baoill still gives his all to the Donegal cause’, and ‘Strong ties to St Peter’s Terrace ahead of Senior County Final’.

Ryan spoke with Mary T Boyce on how her decision to link up with the Downings senior ladies panel made her feel part of her adopted community. Boyce (née Cairns) hails from the other side of the Harry Blaney Bridge in Fanad.

In his piece, ‘Committed Ó Baoill still gives his all to the Donegal cause’, Ryan explored how Daire Ó Baoill, who excelled as a wing-forward as Gaoth Dobhair cleaned up the silverware at underage ranks, returned to that position for a Donegal side who enjoyed a fantastic summer.

In his third piece, ‘Strong ties to St Peter’s Terrace ahead of Senior County Final’, Ryan wrote how players from both the Dungloe and St Eunan’s teams have parents that hail from St Peter’s Terrace in Dungloe, and of how the ties and friendships which were formed years ago are still just as strong today.

Our News Editor, Louise Doyle was nominated for both ‘Feature Journalist of the Year’ and ‘News Story of the Year’.

The 10th annual Local Ireland Media Awards were hosted by RTÉ presenter Marty Whelan. Also supported by Coimisiún na Meán, 21 trophies were presented, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for David Burke of the Tuam Herald.

President of Local Ireland Seán Mahon said: “What a fantastic night. A real celebration of everything that’s great about local newspapers in Ireland.

“It was superb to see awards being won not just for news, political and sports reporting but also for special features, investigative journalism, digital innovation and creative advertising solutions. Well done to everyone who was nominated and to all our winners. We’re privileged to have very talented and passionate people who work for our local newspaper businesses.”

CEO of the National Lottery Cian Murphy said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Local Ireland Media Awards, which shine a spotlight on the outstanding work of local journalists and regional newspapers.

“With more than 700 entries this year, the standard of journalism was truly first class. Local journalism does more than report the news — it fosters trust, gives communities a voice, and helps shape a shared sense of place and belonging while also informing, connecting, and strengthening communities across the country.

“They play a vital role that reflects the National Lottery’s own commitment to supporting Good Causes and making a positive difference in people’s lives throughout Ireland.”

Coimisiún na Meán was supporting the awards for the first time this year. Media Development Commissioner Rónán O’Domhnaill said: “It was heartwarming and encouraging to see such vibrancy and enthusiasm amongst the members of Local Ireland at the awards.

“A thriving local media landscape is vital to a functioning democracy and in Ireland it is clear that the local newspaper industry is central to that.”

Some of Ireland’s leading media professionals make up the awards’ judging panel.

Chair, author, journalist and broadcaster Alison O’Connor told the audience: “Local journalism matters enormously. It happens in the courtroom, the council chamber, the parish hall. It captures the highs and lows of community life—the joy of a local sporting triumph, the heartbreak of job losses, the significance of a planning decision that will shape a town’s future.

“And it’s evolving. Stories are being told in fresh ways—through podcasts, TikTok, QR codes—and our increasingly diverse communities are being reflected more and more in the pages of local titles right across the country.”

The judging panel also comprises: RTÉ presenter and journalist Katie Hannon, DCU journalism lecturer Conor Tiernan, broadcaster and journalist Dearbhail McDonald, Emeritus Professor at TUD Michael Foley, Dawn Wheatley of DCU School of Communications, Managing Director of Kinetic Ireland Andrew Sinclair, photographer and former Irish Times Picture Editor Frank Miller, broadcaster and writer Valerie Cox, journalist and author PJ Cunningham, novelist and newspaper columnist Dr Martina Devlin, Policy Editor of the Business Post Daniel Murray and Deputy Night Editor of the Irish Sun Gerry McCarthy.

Executive Director of Local Ireland Bob Hughes said: “The awards reflect the high standards of journalism, production and commercial acumen in local newspapers and their online products right across Ireland.

“Competition for the awards is very strong, so everyone who receives a nomination is a winner. I want to thank the National Lottery for their continued support, Coimisiún na Meán for its support for the event and for our sector, and everyone who helped make the awards a very special event.”

RTÉ presenter chats with Donegal News Sports Editor Ryan Ferry

Pictured from left are, Diarmaid Doherty, Editor, Donegal News, Louise Doyle, News Editor, Ryan Ferry, Sports Editor and Doreen Gallagher, Senior Business Development Executive.

One of Ryan Ferry’s standout pieces.