by Lisa Buckley, Communications and Programme Director, NewsBrands Ireland
The atmosphere was electric at the Aviva Stadium on 13 May as we celebrated the talented young writers shaping the future of Irish journalism. The Young Journalist Ireland Awards 2025, an initiative proudly run by NewsBrands Ireland, brought together students, teachers and media professionals to recognise the outstanding journalistic achievements of secondary school students across the country.
Hosted by renowned journalist Matt Cooper, the ceremony honoured winners across five competitive categories: Features, Opinion, Sports Journalism, Photojournalism, and School Newspaper. Each award reflected the incredible depth of talent and creativity flourishing in classrooms nationwide.
This year’s Overall Student Journalist of the Year was awarded to Grace Callaghan from Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co. Cork. Grace’s deeply moving and courageous feature explored her personal journey through scoliosis diagnosis, surgery and recovery. Her piece offered not only powerful storytelling but also a profound message of resilience and self-acceptance.
Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, praised Grace’s work:
Grace Callaghan demonstrated an ability to write a truly evocative piece about wrestling with preconceptions around body image and seeing scars not as imperfections but as symbols of resilience in the face of adversity.
The judges’ citation described her article as ‘a courageous and deeply personal journey’ that challenges societal ideals of perfection and reframes scars as markers of survival, strength and authenticity. It is the kind of journalism that does more than inform – it empowers.
Daniel McConnell also gave advice to the young people considering a career in journalism: immerse yourself in good journalism:
Read it, watch it, question it. If featured writing is your passion, seek out the best writers and learn from how they approach their craft. Study what makes their work compelling and how they earn the trust of their readers.
Now in its thirteenth year, and previously known as Press Pass, Young Journalist Ireland continues to grow as a flagship programme in schools across the country. Reaching over 10,000 Transition Year students annually, the initiative is designed to foster media literacy, critical thinking and journalistic curiosity. Through classroom learning and mentoring by professional journalists, students develop the skills to question, research and create compelling journalism of their own.
The awards are a celebration not only of individual achievement but also of collaborative effort. All entries were carefully reviewed by a panel of national editors and journalists, who were impressed by the originality, courage and clarity of the submissions.
The winning work can be read here
