Hat-trick a victory for consistent excellence

FOR an unprecedented third year in a row, Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Carl O’Brien is the Young Journalist of the Year.

He took the ESB 2002 National Media Award for his series exposing the shocking treatment of many mentally handicapped people in Ireland today.

“It’s a tribute to the entire editorial team for their support throughout the entire year,” said Carl, in his acceptance speech at a luncheon in Dublin’s Mansion House yesterday.

“In particular, I would like to pay tribute to campaigners around the country, like Marcella O’Sullivan, who have had the courage to stand up and to speak out over wrongs in society when it’s easier to remain silent.”

Of his own hat-trick of awards, Carl added: “I feel it’s a real achievement to get the recognition of your peers. To win it three years in a row is hard to take in, because there are great journalists out there.”

As well as the award of a specially commissioned trophy, Carl received a cheque for 1,500.

Carl O’Brien, 24, comes from Glounthaune, Co Cork and went to Midleton College.

He took a degree in journalism from the Dublin Institute of Technology and joined the Irish Examiner in 1999.

He has been a member of the Irish Examiner’s political team reporting from Leinster House for the past 18 months.

Irish Examiner editor Tim Vaughan said: “Carl’s achievement in winning the award three years in a row is tremendous and reflects the passion and enthusiasm which he brings to his job. He has consistently championed the cause of the underprivileged and the voiceless in Irish society.”

Irish Examiner chief executive designate Tom Murphy said: “Carl O’Brien is a top-class journalist with an instinctive feel for and an inate ability to get at the information and inside story on issues that many other journalists do not deal with.”

“We are proud to join with Carl and his parents in celebrating his third ESB Young Journalist of the Year award.”