Journalists honoured at Justice Media Awards

Irish crime and legal journalists were honoured this afternoon at the Law Society's Justice Media awards, where Evening Echo reporter Ann Murphy took the top prize.

The awards, designed to recognise journalists who inform the public and promote a better understanding of the law , took place at the Law Society in Dublin today.

Congratulations to the overall winner of Justice Media Awards, Ann Murphy @CraftyReporter of @CorkEveningEcho. #JMA15 pic.twitter.com/W3VvrYWpKp

— Law Society Ireland (@LawSocIreland) June 4, 2015

The overall winner was the Evening Echo's Ann Murphy, for her article "When love breaks down - relationship law in Ireland", covering what happens in family law, divorce, and domestic violence cases.

Judges praised the piece for it s comprehensive overview of the subject and depth of research, calling it "a standout piece from a journalist who has proven herself to be an excellent contributor to the public discourse on law."

Cormac O'Keeffe has won a justice media award from the @LawSocIreland!! Go @irishexaminer!! #jma15 pic.twitter.com/6iSZtKcrss

— Ceallach Ní Bhriain (Kelly O'Brien) (@Kellingtondawg) June 4, 2015

The Irish Examiner's Cormac O'Keefe took home the prize among daily newspaper writers for his work piece "When life doesn't mean life" on the conviction, trial, sentencing and - despite a life sentence - release of a killer.

The Irish Mail on Sunday's Alison O'Reilly picked up the corresponding award for Sunday papers for her piece on adoption laws in Ireland.

Newstalk's Francesca Comyn won the National Radio category for 'District Court childcare proceedings' on the station's breakfast show, while Niall Delaney of Ocean FM took the regional radio prize for his work on direct provision.

Newstalk's Francesca Comyn wins Justice Media Award http://t.co/jouBLo97hv #ntfm #JMA15 pic.twitter.com/iPZxb2ylRN

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) June 4, 2015

The award for print media court reporting went to Helen Bruce of the Irish Daily Mail for her piece on the closing speeches of the Graham Dwyer trial, while the verdict in the same case won TV3's 5.30 news team the broadcast version of the same category.

RTÉ's Vivienne Traynor won the Justice Media Award in television news for her end-of-trial summary in the high-interest Anglo trial case, while her co-workers on Prime Time won the feature and documentary award for their in-depth documentary "Missing in Mayo", telling the story of a family behind a missing persons case.

'Safeguards of democratic society'

Our President Kevin O'Higgins addresses the audience at the Justice Media Awards. #JMA15 pic.twitter.com/WQmBpfoJg2

— Law Society Ireland (@LawSocIreland) June 4, 2015

"Greater understanding between the legal profession and the press is something that can benefit both professions – and, more importantly, the general public," said President of the Law Society, Kevin O’Higgins, at the awards ceremony.

"A free press, when acting responsibly, can be regarded as one of the safeguards of a democratic society.

"This, if I might suggest it, is the essence of good journalism; to present us with the relevant information in the appropriate context, which allows the audience to more fully understand the issue and reach an informed opinion on the matter.

"Irish journalists, and journalism, have been faced with challenges in recent times; some familiar, some quite unprecedented.

"Out of these we have seen quality reporting and journalistic integrity shine through."