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EVOKE is among the outlets shortlisted for the 2026 Irish Journalism Awards, a high-profile industry event that recognises excellence across print, broadcast and digital reporting. The nominations spotlight individual reporters and wider newsroom efforts, underlining the role of investigative and feature journalism in Ireland.
Big haul for dmg media
dmg media secured a leading presence on the shortlist, picking up a total of 23 nominations across multiple categories. That tally reflects entries from several of its titles and reporters.
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Evoke shortlisted at Irish Journalism Awards as dmg media receives 23 nominations
Michael O’Farrell of The Irish Mail on Sunday is the most frequently named dmg nominee, earning recognition in the categories of Business Journalist, Campaigning Journalism and Showbiz Journalist. His Campaigning Journalism nod relates to coverage of the St John of God abuse cover-up.
EVOKE and individual nominations
Among EVOKE’s individual recognitions, Niamh Walsh was shortlisted for Showbiz Reporter of the Year.
Other journalists named on the shortlist include Lisa Brady, Brenda Power, Ger Colleran and Philip Nolan in the Columnist (Popular) category, while Georgina Heffernan and Jenny Friel appear among the Features (Popular) nominees.
In sports journalism, Mark Gallagher and Philip Lanigan are both shortlisted for Sports Writer (Popular). Crime and news categories feature multiple nominations: John Lee is listed for Crime Journalist and Scoop; Garreth MacNamee for Crime Journalist and News Reporter; and Craig Hughes for News Reporter and Political Journalist. The shortlist also includes Debbie McCann and Valerie Hanley.
Industry leaders welcome the shortlist
Paul Henderson, CEO of dmg media, emphasised the company’s commitment to quality reporting. He said: “At dmg media, we believe that career professional journalism, great content and innovation are at the core of everything we do.”
He added: “As a multimedia publisher, we are delighted that we have been shortlisted for 23 awards in the 2026 Irish Journalism Awards.”
Ann Marie Lenihan, chief executive of NewsBrands Ireland, said the longlist and shortlist reflect the resources behind strong journalism. “Behind every investigation, interview and carefully reported story is significant time, expertise and investment,” she said.
Hayley Cochrane, director of news partnerships for the UK and Northern Europe at Google News Initiative, welcomed the continued partnership with the awards. She described the dedication, integrity and depth of Irish journalism as “absolutely vital to society” and stressed the need to support a sustainable, innovative news ecosystem.
Scope of the awards and next steps
The Irish Journalism Awards recognise work published in print, online, video and audio by national news organisations that are members of the Press Council of Ireland. The shortlist features journalists from a wide range of titles, including The Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Business Post, The Currency, The Journal and The42.ie.
The winners will be revealed at a ceremony in the Round Room at Dublin’s Mansion House on 12 November.
