Connaught Telegraph journalist's political coverage short-listed for award

CONNAUGHT Telegraph journalist Caoimhín Rowland has been shortlisted for a top journalism award for political reporting.

He has been shortlisted in the Political Coverage of the Year category at this year's Local Ireland Media Awards.

Founder and editor of the All Ireland Whinger: Mayo Politics Podcast which broke into Apple Ireland's top 200 earlier this year, Caoimhín also write the weekly All Ireland Whinger column in The Connaught Telegraph.

The Connaught is also short-listed in two other awards categories: Best Local Advertisement for 'The Best Coaches in Rugby' and Best Advertising Campaign, 'Roll With It This Summer'.

This is the 11th year of the awards, which are sponsored by the National Lottery and also supported by the media commission, Coimisiún na Meán. A total of 727 entries were made across 19 competitive categories.

President of Local Ireland and managing director of The Southern Star Seán Mahon said: “It's great to see these important awards continuing to thrive.

“The evidence is clear - this year saw the highest number of entries we've ever received across all the different categories. However, they all share one thing in common - the vitally important role we have in serving local communities by communicating the news that matters to our readers' lives.”

Judging panel chair Dawn Wheatley, of Dublin City University School of Communications, commented: "Once again, the quality of entries this year has been exceptional. It's a real credit to the reporters, photographers, editors, production and commercial staff involved that standards continue to rise year on year. These entries are proof that trusted, on-the-ground journalism still matters enormously to the communities it serves, holding power to account, telling the stories that matter, and giving an essential voice to their readers."

The award winners will be announced at a gala event at the Mullingar Park Hotel on September 17 hosted by Marty Whelan.