Patrick O’Connell Wins Crime Journalist of the Year at Irish Journalism Awards

Patrick O’Connell of Crime World was named Crime Journalist of the Year at the Irish Journalism Awards, where Mediahuis Ireland journalists collected seven prizes. The ceremony was held at Dublin’s Mansion House and hosted by Today FM broadcaster Matt Cooper. O’Connell’s award recognised a range of work, including an exclusive interview with the mother of Daniel Aruebose. The report was among the stories cited as judges and organisers celebrated journalism that brought important issues to public attention. The night also brought major honours for Irish Independent editor Fionnán Sheahan, who was named both Journalist of the Year and Political Journalist of the Year. He also shared the Scoop of the Year award for reporting on Jim Gavin’s rent dispute with a former tenant, a story that led Gavin to withdraw as Fianna Fáil’s candidate in the previous year’s presidential election. Other Mediahuis winners included Sunday Independent journalist Niamh Horan, who was recognised as Showbiz Journalist of the Year. Her work included an interview with Tina Mitchell about the breakdown of her marriage to singer Tommy Fleming. The Irish Independent team won in the Campaigning Journalism category for its coverage of e-scooter policy, alleged criminal links and the human impact on victims. A Herald front-page headline, ‘The Late, Late Troy Show’, was named Headline of the Year. Mediahuis journalists were shortlisted 37 times across its titles.