UL student scoops Examiner award

University of Limerick student Kevin O’Brien’s investigation into missed drug tests within the GAA earned him the Irish Examiner’s Young Sports Journalist of the Year Award.

The Offaly student, whose Freedom of Information Act request revealed that seven county boards were fined €4,784 for missing drugs tests — these included the Clare hurling team, winners of the 2013 All-Ireland.

“It is great to see our students being recognised by such reputable media organisations for their excellent research and interviewing skills,” said head of journalism at the University of Limerick, Mary Dundon.

O’Brien said: “When I saw that Clare missed two [drug tests] I realised then it was fairly big news as they are All-Ireland champions.”

UL journalism lecturer Emer Connolly added: “Sports journalism is a vital part of the BA in journalism and new media and it is reassuring to hear that the adjudicators at the Irish Examiner were most impressed with the entries submitted by students.

“Sport is an integral part of society and the evolving nature of sports journalism means that there are exciting opportunities out there for graduates with a passion for this area.”