Winners of Shine’s Mental Health Media Awards 2025 announced

The winners of the Mental Health Media Awards 2025 were announced yesterday at a special ceremony in Dublin.

Organised by Shine’s Media Programme, the awards recognise excellence in Irish media coverage of mental health issues across all platforms. They celebrate journalists, producers, editors, content creators and contributors whose work improves public understanding of mental health, challenges stereotypes, and fosters informed discussion.

We are pleased to have the continued support of our main sponsor, Coimisiún na Meán, again this year. We’re also grateful to our category sponsors: UNHCR and Irish Red Cross for the Refugee Mental Health Award, and HSE Mental Health Engagement &Recovery for their support of the Mental Health Series category.

Shine CEO Nicola Byrne said: "This is a celebration of the very best of Irish journalism in telling stories of mental health. Our winners have not only shown great skill and creativity, but also deep respect and empathy for the people whose voices they’ve amplified. Their work challenges stereotypes, sparks important conversations, and helps create a more compassionate Ireland. We are delighted to honour their important work with these awards."

Shine Media Programme Lead Áine O’Meara added: "The winning entries this year demonstrate the power of storytelling to change hearts and minds. Each of these pieces brings to light experiences that too often remain hidden, and in doing so, they help reduce stigma and encourage understanding. The quality and diversity of this year’s winners underline the vital role media plays in shaping how we think and talk about mental health."

2025 Winners

Print & Online | National
For a single print/online report or feature in a national outlet related to mental health.

“He was kept locked in a room...”: Stories from Ireland’s State-run asylums - Kitty Holland – Irish Times

‍Print & Online | Local
For a single print/online report or feature in a local/regional outlet.

‘The Waterford families sleeping on the streets just to stay together’ – Shannon Sweeney – Waterford News and Star

‍Print & Online | Special Interest
For specialist features (e.g., sport, music, food, health; includes supplements/magazines).

‘The Invisible Struggle of OCD’ – Niamh Devereaux – Irish Country Magazine

Broadcasting | Long Form
For a factual, long-form TV/radio feature or documentary.

‘Leathered: Violence in Irish schools’ – John Downes - RTÉ

Broadcasting | Short Form
For a factual short-form newsclip/segment/interview.

‘School Avoidance’ – Conor McMorrow – Prime Time, RTÉ

Digital Content
For podcasts, interactive features, apps or other digital formats.

‘Irish Asylums: A dark history we don’t talk about, why?’ Irish History Podcast

Student Journalism Award | in partnership withTheJournal.ie
For student-produced radio, television, digital or print pieces.

‘The real Cian Stanley’ – Cian Stanley and Crew, Dundalk IT

Special Recognition Award
For people with lived experience who shared their story to educate wider audiences.

Hala Sourani featured in Síle Seoige’s Ready to be Real Podcast

Mental Health Series | supported by HSE Mental Health Engagement & Recovery

For a series across print, broadcast or digital, that promotes and supports themes related to mental health recovery and education.  

‘Women locked up: Inside the Dóchas – Midas Productions – Virgin Media Television

Refugee Mental Health Award | supported by UNHCR and Irish Red Cross
For work on the mental health experiences of refugees and asylum-seeking communities in Ireland.

‘Can you hear me?’ Dispatches from the world’s forgotten war’ – Sarah Madden – Newstalk

Mental Health Champion
Awarded on the day to a media professional whose body of work consistently champions mental health experiences.

Ann Murphy, Irish Examiner