Justice Media Awards 2025 award winners & citations

25/06/2025 15:46:10

All entries were assessed against the objectives of the Justice Media Awards, namely published works or broadcasts which:

  • Promote the highest standards in legal journalism,

  • Foster greater public understanding of the law, the legal system or access to justice issues,

  • Inform and educate the public as to the roles in society of the law, the courts, law enforcement agencies, and the legal profession,

  • Disclose practices or procedures needing reform to encourage the development and modernisation of Irish laws, courts, and law enforcement agencies, and/or

  • Assist the legal profession, the judiciary, and all others involved in the administration of justice in attaining the highest professional standards.

Aoife Kelleher, Farah Abushwesha and Rachel Lysaght (Underground Films and Rocliffe): Testimony.

The judges said:

  • This documentary begged impact. It was difficult to watch and showed that human rights abuses can happen in Ireland too - and on an industrial scale.

  • Shining a light on a very dark period in the history of our State, the judging panel suggested this documentary should have a place on school curriculums.


Category winner

Sean Murray (Irish Examiner): Stardust Inquests.

The judges said:

  • This journalist provided detailed insights into the largest inquest in modern Irish history. The reports were excellently written and showed compassion for all involved.

Three merit certificates were awarded:

Catherine Fegan (Irish Independent): Taking back the power - Three survivors of rape tell of their tough decision to waive their right to anonymity so the perpetrators could be named.

The judges said:

  • This was topical, sensitive reporting. It put a spotlight on difficult decisions facing victims of sexual abuse and highlighted issues of those going through the legal system.

Alison O'Reilly (Irish Examiner): Surrogacy and IVF schemes will not cover all.

  • This was a series of articles highlighting legal struggles faced by people hoping to have families. It was strong, relevant, and timely reporting on a topic of increasing public interest in Irish society.

Valerie Flynn & Sinéad O’Carroll (The Journal): Explainer: Why was McGregor case heard in a civil court and what does that mean?

  • This was a clear explanation of a topical high-profile sexual assault case. It contained good content and reputable sources.

Category winner:

Killian Woods (Business Post): Ireland, Coke and Uncle Sam - Inside the Drogheda firm Coca-Cola used to ‘hide astronomical profits’ and funnel billions to a tax haven.

The judges said:

  • Through a series of engaging and well-written reports on a complicated tax issue, this journalist has highlighted a Coca-Cola Irish firm is funnelling billions to the Cayman Islands. This legal journalism meets the highest standard.

Three merit certificates were awarded:

Patrick O'Donoghue (The Sunday Times): Inside the investigation that uncovered the crimes of the UK's worst catfisher.

  • This journalist offered a powerful piece on a complex investigation into the crimes of the UK’s worst catfisher. Through court reporting, mixed with witness and friend evidence, the journalist clearly set out the story and the judicial implications.

Ali Bracken (Sunday Independent): Conviction of James Kilroy for murdering his wife Valerie French is not the end of the legal road for the French family.

  • This journalist highlighted a nuanced issue in Irish law in relation to inheritance, guardianship and testacy. Amplifying the voices of the victim’s family, this journalist details the family’s efforts to seek justice for their sister.

Julieanne Corr (The Sunday Times): The number of pregnant women in Irish jails reaches a record high amid overcrowding and staff shortages.

  • Focusing on Ireland’s Women’s Prison, this journalist produced a human-interest story, with human rights issues at its core. It was well written and researched and meets all the awards criteria.

Category winner:

Mark Tighe & Marie Crowe (Sunday Independent): Field of Broken Dreams.

The judges said:

  • It was a superb two-and-a-half-year investigation highlighting the mistreatment and wrongs made against women footballers who suffered in silence. These experienced journalists produced a standout entry, and it is a deserving winner.

Three merit certificates were awarded:

Tom Lyons (The Currency): Pride Before a Fall: Part 1 and 2.

  • From career success to difficulties after the crash, this journalist’s long form piece gave in-depth insight into a high-profile criminal case, and how this intertwined with business.

Catherine Sanz (Business Post): The Toxic Culture Pushing Irish Lawyers Over the Edge.

  • This accomplished journalist put a spotlight on issues that have not been talked about openly enough. Focusing on the work culture in the legal industry, she creates an understanding of the complex legal sphere through thorough investigation. It is impactful writing that will hopefully influence change.

Niall Sargent (The Currency): The Artist and the Waste Magnate

  • This was immaculate court reporting, tying together live evidence and transcripts to paint a compelling narrative in this feature. This writing transported the reader into the court room.

Category winner:

Richard Canny (Roscommon Herald): Court can be harrowing experience for victims of domestic abuse.

The judges said:

  • This journalist’s reporting carefully highlighted challenges facing victims of domestic violence. It should be required reading for anyone involved in domestic violence hearings in the court system. It provided a helpful exposition of court processes from the impact on victims as they make their applications to the supports available and what can happen next.

Two merit certificates were awarded:

Stephanie Costello (Dublin Inquirer): 19 Years Ago, Terence Wheelock went into Store Street Garda Station alive

  • This journalist brought attention to a case highlighting a family’s search for answers for a death that has never fully been explained. This entry was recognised for its strong reporting on social justice and working through the justice system to secure the truth.

Dara Bradley (The Connacht Tribune): Judge Mary Fahy - Reflections on a lifetime ruling from the bench.

  • The journalist stood out for showcasing important judicial work from the lens of a judge. This was a well written and warm interview that provides readers with a greater understanding of the role of a judge and the workings of a court room.

Category winner:

Frank Greaney (The Anton Savage Show, Newstalk): Everything You Need to Know About Conor McGregor's Court Defeat.

The judges said:

  • This was a standout piece with a high standard of factual, unbiased reporting. It highlighted the strong need for witness testimony and provided clear explanations of burden of proof, the role of DPP, and categories of damages.

Three merit certificates were awarded:

Sarah Madden (The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk): Survivors of the Sex Trade

  • This journalist’s reporting gave a voice to sex workers. It offered detailed testimony from survivors, and it was excellent storytelling.

Jessica Woodlock (The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk): The Istanbul Convention: Is the State meeting its legal obligations for domestic violence?

  • Examining the State’s progress on domestic violence legislation, it is an important subject. This journalist carefully handled this topic and delivered an accessible report.

Marése O'Sullivan and Patrick Geoghegan (Talking History, Newstalk): The Creation of the Irish Courts.

  • This was an educational piece of journalism. It was interesting for both the public and legal professionals, educating both on the legal system. The diversity of the panel made for nuanced discussion.

Category winner:

Sinéad Hubble & Will Faulkner (Midlands 103): Legal Matters on Midlands Today.

The judges said:

  • It is heartening to see a regular legal feature on local radio. This was accessible educational journalism and useful for public knowledge that empowers the public to navigate legal matters effectively.

Three merit certificates were awarded:

Kevin McDermott & Joe Finnegan (The Joe Finnegan Show, Shannonside Northern Sound FM): The Judicial System and how it works

  • This report provided a very clear explainer on how the judicial system and sentencing works, and highlighted appropriate factors to be considered. It was excellent for public understanding.

JohnPaul McNamara (CorkToday, C103): Don't Leave a Legal Mess behind - The Importance of a Will

  • With advice from a legal expert, this report was topical, educational and informative and stood out as it was of public interest and benefit.

Gillian Devlin (Limerick Today, Live 95): Explaining the rules of sentencing.

  • This detailed explainer was entertaining and, in parts, emotive. Crucially, it was educational and brought attention to the constraints on judges and the factors they must consider when passing sentences.

Category winner:

Michael Doyle, Neil Cotter, Damien Lane, and Fiona Wynne (The Irish Sun): The Stardust Tragedy

The judges said:

  • This was an outstanding eight-part podcast series. It highlighted the fight for justice through the eyes of victim’s families. It also put a spotlight on the obstacles they faced.

Four merit certificates were awarded:

Garrett Mulhall, Fionnán Sheahan, Robin Schiller, Carlo Salizzo, Ian Doyle, Hugh Keenan, and Rory Bowens (Indo Daily, Irish Independent): Wanted: Gardaí release images of 99 Dublin riot suspects, is it a worrying precedent?

  • This experienced podcast team provided an original take on the Dublin riots. This entry stood out for examining issues around data protection, vigilante justice and a rights-based approach.

Conall Ó Móráin, Mark Tottenham, and Peter Leonard (The Fifth Court Podcast, The Media Group): The Fifth Court Episode 103 – The Lucy Letby Trial.

  • This was a shocking story that caught the international media’s attention. This podcast offered a review and interpretation of evidence in the complex legal case, supporting it with interesting insights.

Mark Tighe and Joe Molloy (Indo Sport): Nikita Hand wins David and Goliath case against Conor McGregor.

  • In a well-reported three-week long civil rape case, these journalists brought legal focus to a sports audience. Their detailed court reporting stood out for its mixture of fact and analysis. It is clear the journalists had a strong understanding of the legal process, which was useful to help the public understand.

Nicky Ryan, Laura Byrne, and Sinéad O’Carroll (Explainer Podcast, The Journal): How does sentencing work in Ireland? 

  • The format of explainer media should be commended, and this media organisation was one of the first to deliver these so succinctly. This report offered a detailed consideration of sentencing in Ireland and abroad, touching on sociological attitudes towards crime.

 


Category winner:

Michael O’Farrell, Trevor Birney, Andrew Tully, Jim O’Hagan, Seán Mullan and Michael Law (Fine Point Films LTD for RTÉ): Michael Lynn: The Fugitive

The judges said:

  • This two-part series was the result of a 10-year investigation, where a journalist was able to track down this solicitor when Gardaí nor the Law Society could. From stakeouts to waiting for their big break and piecing together literal scraps of paper to find where money was going. The work that went into this crucial piece of journalism was outstanding.

Three merit certificates were awarded:

Mary Fanning (RTÉ Nationwide): Women in Law.

  • This was a light, warm, and motivating piece of TV journalism with great contribution from well-known faces and interesting facts and anecdotes. It was a rare positive story on lawyers spotlighting the legal trailblazers over the last century.

John Downes, Eanya Gallagher, Darragh Byrne, and Colm O’Callaghan (RTÉ Television): Leathered: Violence in Irish Schools

  • This documentary goes to the core of the awards criteria. It shines a light on corporal punishment in Irish schools and amplified the voices of survivors. It was public service journalism that gained attention from government ministers.

Nicole Gernon and David Tiernan (Virgin Media): Downfall: The Trial of Conor McGregor

  • This entry was compelling viewing, offering fresh perspectives of one of Ireland’s best documented, most dramatic and high-profile civil trials. It was delivered powerfully by well-respected journalists.

Category winner:

Mary Carolan (The Irish Times): 'I can't live like this': Desperate parents ask courts to protect them from aggressive adult children (plus three related domestic violence court reports)

The judges said:

  • This stalwart journalist used a careful mix of quotes and fact synthesis for this special report. It provided an all-encompassing overview of this issue, highlighting the increasing number of applications by parents under the Domestic Violence Act.

Four merit certificates were awarded:

Shane Phelan (Irish Independent): Key factors that may have swayed the jury in Nikita Hand case against Conor McGregor.

  • This accomplished legal journalist offered a hybrid of court reporting and analysis in his ‘on the whistle’ special report. He masterfully gave the reader a feeling of being inside the courtroom and sense of the atmosphere.

Alison O'Reilly (Irish Examiner): The tragic death of Aoife Johnston.

  • Sharing exclusive details of this tragic public interest story, this journalist outlined key court insights in a respectful way.

Francesca Comyn (The Currency): Tried and convicted: Where did it all go wrong for Brendan Mullin?

  • This skilled journalist’s detailed court reporting of a four-week trial, read neatly as a narrative and blended in history seamlessly. It was impactful legal journalism.

Catherine Fegan (Irish Independent): Nikita Hand v Conor McGregor: The moment the mask slipped.

  • Reporting on the highest profile civil legal case last year, this established journalist offered colourful writing, transporting the reader into the gallery, which set it aside from other, similar reporting at the time.

Category winner:

Maura Fay (Today with Claire Byrne, RTÉ Radio 1): Maura Fay spends a day in the Family Court

The judges said:

  • This journalist knows how to produce true legal journalism. It was educational and informative, providing a real insight into the family courts.

Two merit certificates were awarded:

Nicky Ryan, Laura Byrne, Eoghan Dalton, and Sinéad O’Carroll (The Explainer, The Journal): The State inquiry into the Bill Kenneally case — what have we learned so far?

  • This explainer team have carved out a brilliant format. This journalism hits key award criteria - it’s educational, detailed, well-produced with good story telling. Another standout piece.

Sallyanne Godson & Barry Cummins (RTÉ Prime Time): Encrypted Crime.

  • Providing insights into some of Ireland’s crime gang and their methods of communication, this experienced team provided another top-class report. It detailed sentencing hearing and highlighted the audacity of some of Ireland’s criminals. This report was interesting and a well-deserved winner.

Category winner:

Ann Murphy (Irish Examiner): Why incarceration is not suitable for the mentally ill.

The judges said:

  • Highlighting concerns of those with mental illness in the prison system, this journalist reported on this very complex issue in an incredible way. She was able to portray the daily horrors and injustices of those dealing with this on a daily basis.

Two merit certificates were awarded:

Stephanie Costello (Dublin Inquirer): 19 years ago, Terence Wheelock went into Store Street Garda Station alive.

  • This was a fantastic piece of writing that has been recognised twice in this year’s awards. It brought a case that had fallen out of the public domain back into the light and showed just how difficult the fight for justice can be.

Ellen Coyne (Irish Independent): Domestic violence victims forced into homelessness by lack of refuge spaces.

  • This journalist produced an eye-opening series showcasing the difficult options for victims of domestic abuse. No one should have to choose between going back to their abuser or becoming homeless. This reporting was emotive and shows failings in the system.”

Maria Delaney and Patricia Devlin (The Journal Investigates): Over 100 women murdered in Ireland since 2012 – and a gap in data on gendered violence.

  • This in-depth investigation into the country’s response to violence against women is a fantastic, detailed piece of journalism and is a key social justice piece. The sheer volume of statistical research the journalists undertook to prove just how dire the situation was, comes through in the reporting.

Catherine Fegan (Irish Independent): School abuse victims demand justice: ‘I didn’t talk to anyone about it. I just carried it all inside’.

  • This experienced journalist's piece was incredibly harrowing – but it beautifully told of the horrific abuses suffered at the hands of those in whose care the children were entrusted.”

Category winner:

Aoife Kelleher, Farah Abushwesha and Rachel Lysaght (Underground Films and Rocliffe): Surrogacy: Testimony.

The judges said:

  • Highlighting that human rights abuses happen in Ireland, this was a difficult watch. It was a call for justice, accountability, and the right for survivors to pursue legal action. It rightly shines a light on a very dark period in the history of our State.

Tara Mills, John O’Kane, Gwyneth Jones, Chris Thornton & Victoria Hamilton (BBC Northern Ireland): Spotlight: I Am Not OK

The judges said:

  • This is journalism that promoted action. It was a piece so hard hitting and moving that it forced an actual change in funding. It was harrowing to watch. The trust that the journalists were able to get from the families is outstanding.

Two merit certificates were awarded:

Louise Byrne, Colm Kirwan, Eoin O’Connor and Jeanine Hurley (RTÉ Prime Time): Unregulated Care: Babies in Emergency Accommodation.

  • This hard-hitting exposé was an eye opening and harrowing look at the abject failures of various actors in the child protection system. This experienced team highlighted an issue that is notoriously difficult to cover.

Frank Shouldice, Marie Crowe, and Mark Tighe (RTÉ Investigates): Girls in Green

  • Delivering media that prompted a Garda investigation to be opened, over 30 years after the fact, these journalists delicately handled a team of victims who have been afraid to tell their story until now. This reporting highlights an important historical issue around equality in sport. This is an excellent piece of journalism.

Category winner:

Niall Sargent (The Currency): The Peat Industry and the Law.

The judges said:

  • This was an extremely thorough five-part investigation into peat harvesting and regulation. The journalist was able to outline the surprisingly complex legal background of the contentious peat industry in a way that is accessible to a general audience.

Three merit certificates were awarded:

 Alice Chambers (The Currency): Coolglass: The wind farm case that may decide whether Ireland’s climate laws have teeth.

  • This journalist’s series provided great legal content, detailing information of a judicial review against An Bord Pleanála, as well as the background of previous legal precedents at the heart of the matter. This was excellent reporting.

Patrick Fee, Victoria Hamilton, Guy Grandjean, Elaine Forrester, Gwyneth Jones, and Chris Thornton (BBC Northern Ireland): Spotlight: The Sewage Scandal.

  • This established team provided an overview of the problems facing certain water sources and the illegal actions of Northern Ireland Water, highlighted pollution from large companies, as well as the lack of an environmental regulator and enforcer. It was detailed but accessible reporting into an important public health issue.

Barry J Whyte (The Irish Times): Hedgerow destruction and badger baiting: Parks’ rangers on the beat to protect wildlife.

  • The journalist does a fantastic job of distilling down court hearings, while still providing relevant information. It is gripping reporting which showcase that those breaking environmental laws still aren’t facing conviction. There is a clear tie between the legal points and the human stories.

 


Category winner:

Marion McKeone (Business Post): How Donald Trump and the US Supreme Court undermined American democracy.

The judges said:

  • This established journalist has delivered brilliant legal reporting on the erosion of American democracy, while including detailed legal analysis. The reports were written succinctly but with engaging detail, great clarity, and consummate authority. This was exceptional legal reporting.”

Three merit certificates were awarded: 

Niall Sargent (The Currency): The Irish State and Israel.

  • The journalist’s series writes a compelling narrative, and a detailed analysis, on the nature of relations between Ireland and Israel. In a time where this global issue is front and centre, he put a spotlight on the contradictions of the Government’s public support of Palestine and its actions.

Shane Raymond (The Journal): Debunked: Tommy Robinson was jailed for lying, not ‘for telling the truth’ as Elon Musk claims.

  • This journalist offered a well written exposition to correct the populist narrative in the interest of justice. It showcased the impact of misinformation and disinformation and tackling it effectively.

Hannah McCarthy (The Irish Times and The Journal): The war on human rights in the Middle East.

  • This brave journalist tells strong and compelling stories to illuminate the ongoing war crimes in the Middle East, stories that violate human rights laws, and the need for accountability and justice in armed conflict.

Category winner:

Jessica Woodlock (The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk, Bauer Media Group)

The judges said:

  • This newcomer stood out for her balanced reporting on domestic violence in the courts. Showing talent and plenty of potential, she is a well-deserving winner.

Two merit certificates were awarded:

Dionne Meehan (Donegal News)

  • This journalist demonstrated strong local reporting, backing up reports with good research. She stood out for covering a range of topical socio-legal issues.

Mairead Maguire (The Journal)

This newcomer demonstrated exciting, and careful reporting. The breadth of the issues covered stood out to judges.  

 


Category winner:

Conor Healy (Trinity News): Legal Explainer Series with Trinity News.

The judges said:

  • Taking a nuanced approach, this student journalist delivered a series of reports which aimed to make law more accessible to students. It was well written and informative. It was excellent journalism.

Four merit certificates were awarded:

Alison Reeves (Limerick Voice): #JusticeForJoe

  • This student podcast was excellent campaign journalism focusing on the trial and death of a student journalist.

Stephen Conneely (Trinity News): Coverage of DPP vs. Diarmuid Rossa Phelan.

  • This journalist provided great trial reporting and analysis of a high-profile criminal case.

Holly O'Sullivan, Emma MacCarthy, Ailish Armstrong & Erin Stevens (Limerick Voice): Justice for Joe

  • This student journalism group produced a strong report on this well-campaigned topic seeking justice.

Ruth McCarthy and Louise Enright (Flirt FM): Accelerating Action: International Women's Day 2025

The judges commended these student journalists for speaking on women’s justice issues. This report offered a detailed discussion centring on provisions around violence against women.