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Sun's Michael Doyle takes top Justice Media Award

The Law Society has announced the winners of the Justice Media Awards 2023 at an awards ceremony lunch at Blackhall Place (22 June).

The top award was presented to Michael Doyle of The Irish Sun for his extensive reporting on the Gerry Hutch murder trial.

His series was selected from the Court Reporting (print/online) category as standing out from a record-breaking 340 entries to win the overall award.

Access to justice, public-interest investigative journalism, and climate-justice challenges were among the other key topics covered across the 15 award categories.

Strong standard

Law Society President Maura Derivan said at the ceremony: “The Law Society is inspired and encouraged to see such a strong standard in Irish legal journalism. The talent and skill among Irish journalists are strong and thriving from seasoned national reporters, local journalists to podcasters, broadcasters, and newcomers.”  

“Journalism that promotes a greater public understanding of the law and our people’s rights, access to justice, legal literacy and the legal system is of immense value to society. This year, the winning entry demonstrates these characteristics.  

“By reporting on the Gerry Hutch murder trial, Michael Doyle succeeds in providing an accessible explanation and detailed account of this high-profile case and the law surrounding it.

“These insights gained from inside the Special Criminal Court are invaluable to society’s understanding of the law, and to ensuring justice is delivered transparently in public.”

“Congratulations to all of our winners this year, and thank you to everyone who entered the awards. The Law Society of Ireland is proud to continue to support and celebrate impactful legal journalism in the public interest.”

Reporters were recognised for their work on issues such as cancer-screening, relationship breakdowns, golden visas, Nimbys and the treatment of Uyghurs.

The Business Post won three category awards and three merits.

Legal affairs correspondent Catherine Sanz won the podcast category for the second year, alongside Neville Cox and Carolyn Goulden, for an interview with Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC on defending pro-democracy campaigners around the world.

Highest standards

Business Post journalist Barry J Whyte was awarded a merit for his investigation into Ireland’s immigrant investor programme, which the judges said “demonstrated the highest standards of journalism, showing the need for reform in Ireland’s immigrant investor programme system”.

Anglo-Celt reporter Séamus Enright won in the Print/Online Journalism (local) category.