Trinity College's Kate Byrne named student journalist of the year 

Kate Byrne of Trinity News, who was named Student Journalist of the Year, alongside 'Irish Examiner' political reporter Tadgh McNally.

Kate Byrne of Trinity News has been crowned as the Irish Examiner student journalist of the year at the Student Media Awards (Smedias).

Ms Byrne, a final year student of History and Political Science at Trinity College, received the award from Irish Examiner political reporter Tadgh McNally during the ceremony at the Mansion House in Dublin on Wednesday evening.

It capped off a successful night for Trinity College overall, with nine awards among the thirty-six categories going to journalists from the college.

University College Dublin and Technological University Dublin won four awards apiece, while University College Cork, Queen's University Belfast and the University of Galway each won three awards.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of the National Student Media Awards, which the Irish Examiner is media partner.

The Joe Drennan RSA Award for Journalism to Road Safety was awarded for the first time since it was renamed in honour of the journalist who was killed in a hit and run in Limerick in October 2023.

Mr Drennan was a former Smedia winner and was co-editor of UL's Limerick Voice at the time of his death.

It was awarded to John O'Connor of UCD's University Observer for his piece "I don't like the feeling of a seatbelt': Do young people care about road safety?"

The European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Issues went to Aoife Kilbane-McGowan for a piece on Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk and their reaction to the introduction of the Digital Services Act.

Among those presenting the awards were RTÉ's Miriam O’Callaghan and Sharon Tobin, Miss Universe Ireland 2024 Sofia Labus, and the Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain.

The Smedias were celebrating their 25th anniversary, making it Ireland's longest-running student awards event. 

They were created to both celebrate and formally recognise the talent of third-level students emerging in journalism, broadcasting and digital media.