Recognition for fearless reporting continues to build in media Ireland, with Irish Mail on Sunday journalist Michael O’Farrell claiming another major honour for investigative work that has resonated far beyond the newsroom. His latest success at the Law Society’s Justice Media Awards 2026 underlines the enduring value of public-interest journalism in an increasingly demanding Irish media landscape.
A major night for Irish media and legal journalism
O’Farrell won the Print/Online Journalism (Sunday) category for his reporting on the Brother Aidan Clohessy abuse investigation, a body of work widely noted for its depth, sensitivity and persistence. The award adds fresh momentum to conversations across Irish media about the importance of accountability reporting and the role of newsrooms in pursuing difficult stories.
The latest honour comes just days after another standout achievement: O’Farrell also secured the Investigative Reporting Prize at the European Press Prize in Lisbon for The Brother D Conspiracy, his investigation into an international child abuse cover-up. The back-to-back recognition places his work firmly among the most significant recent examples of watchdog journalism in media news Ireland.
What O’Farrell said after the win
Reflecting on the European honour, O’Farrell said his thoughts were with the victims and that he was “honoured by their trust” in allowing him to tell their story. He also praised colleagues at the Mail for making time and resources available for demanding investigative work, despite what he described as a challenging environment for journalism.
Why this matters for the media industry Ireland watches closely
This year’s Justice Media Awards drew a record 674 entries across 16 categories, a signal of both competition and vitality within the media industry Ireland continues to evolve. Law Society president Rosemarie Loftus said the rise in entries reflects the health, strength and diversity of legal journalism in Ireland.
Her comments also touched on a wider truth shaping media updates Ireland: trusted journalism matters more when public debate becomes more complex. Awards like these do more than celebrate individuals; they spotlight rigorous reporting standards, newsroom investment and the continuing relevance of investigative journalism.
Key takeaways from the latest recognition
- Michael O’Farrell won the Justice Media Awards 2026 Print/Online Journalism (Sunday) prize.
- The award recognised his reporting on the Brother Aidan Clohessy abuse investigation.
- He recently also won at the European Press Prize for investigative reporting.
- The Justice Media Awards received a record 674 entries this year.
For anyone tracking media Ireland, this is more than an awards story. It is a reminder that determined reporting still shapes public understanding, drives scrutiny and sets the benchmark for excellence in Irish media industry coverage. Media Ireland works best when journalism remains rigorous, trusted and unafraid to confront difficult truths.
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