THE Southern Star came away with four accolades from the Local Ireland Media Awards last week.

West Cork’s favourite title won Best Use of Digital, Best Supplement, Best Innovation, while Political Coverage of the Year went jointly to this newspaper and the Limerick Leader.

The gala event was hosted by Marty Whelan at the Mullingar Park Hotel. It was the tenth annual awards and the eighth to be sponsored by the National Lottery.

Also supported by Coimisiún na Meán, 21 trophies were presented in total, including a special Lifetime Achievement Award for David Burke of the Tuam Herald.

President of Local Ireland and Southern Star managing director Seán Mahon said:

‘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, committed and passionate people who work for our local newspaper businesses.’

Other winners on the night included Darragh Murphy of the Waterford News and Star who won both Young Journalist of the Year and Best News Story.

Feature Journalist of the Year was Seamus Enright of the Anglo Celt while Best News Series award went to Donal O’Keeffe of The Echo.

Donegal News’s Ryan Ferry was named Sports Journalist of the Year and Best Photograph went to John Kelly of the Clare Champion.

CEO of the National Lottery Cian Murphy said: ‘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.’

Media development commissioner Rónán O’Domhnaill said: ‘Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to help support the Local Ireland Awards through our Sponsorship Scheme.

‘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.’

The awards judging panel included RTE’s Katie Hannon and was chaired by West Cork broadcaster Alison O’Connor who noted: ‘Local journalism matters… and it’s evolving. Stories are being told in fresh ways through podcasts, TikToks, QR codes.’