Entertainment news Ireland meets media industry recognition as EVOKE secures a place on the shortlist for the 2026 Irish Journalism Awards, with parent company dmg media collecting an impressive 23 nominations overall. The nod puts EVOKE firmly in the spotlight ahead of one of the most closely watched dates on the Irish media calendar.
Hosted annually by NewsBrands Ireland in partnership with the Google News Initiative, the awards honour standout work across reporting, investigations, features and digital journalism. This year’s shortlist underlines just how competitive the field remains across Irish media.
EVOKE earns key recognition at the Irish Journalism Awards
Among the standout mentions is EVOKE’s Niamh Walsh, who has been shortlisted for Showbiz Reporter of the Year. Her nomination gives the brand a strong foothold in a category closely tied to Irish entertainment news and celebrity news Ireland, where fast-moving coverage and audience engagement are crucial.
The recognition also reflects EVOKE’s growing influence across digital publishing, where readers increasingly turn to trusted outlets for entertainment updates Ireland, showbiz reporting and wider pop culture Ireland coverage.
dmg media racks up 23 nominations across major categories
EVOKE’s success forms part of a wider awards surge for dmg media. The publisher picked up 23 nominations spanning business, crime, politics, sport, features and commentary.
Notable shortlisted names
- Michael O’Farrell received recognition in Business Journalist, Campaigning Journalism and Showbiz Journalist categories.
- Lisa Brady, Brenda Power, Ger Colleran and Philip Nolan were shortlisted in Columnist (Popular).
- Georgina Heffernan and Jenny Friel earned places in Features (Popular).
- Mark Gallagher and Philip Lanigan were nominated for Sports Writer (Popular).
- John Lee, Garreth MacNamee, Craig Hughes, Debbie McCann and Valerie Hanley also featured across reporting categories.
Michael O’Farrell’s Campaigning Journalism nomination was linked to reporting on the St John of God abuse cover-up, one of the most serious investigations recognised on the list.
Why the shortlist matters for the Irish media industry
Paul Henderson, CEO of dmg media, said the company’s focus remains on “professional journalism, great content and innovation,” adding that the publisher was delighted to be shortlisted for 23 awards.
That message was echoed by Ann Marie Lenihan, chief executive of NewsBrands Ireland, who said every major piece of journalism demands time, expertise and investment. Her remarks speak to a wider truth in the entertainment industry Ireland and news publishing space alike: quality content does not happen by accident.
Hayley Cochrane of the Google News Initiative also praised the “dedication, integrity and depth” of Irish journalism, calling it vital to society and stressing the importance of a sustainable, innovative news ecosystem.
When and where the winners will be announced
The winners of the 2026 Irish Journalism Awards will be revealed on 12 November at a ceremony in the Round Room of Dublin’s Mansion House. The event is expected to draw leading figures from across entertainment media Ireland, national newsrooms and the wider publishing sector.
For readers who follow latest entertainment news Ireland, the nomination is another sign of EVOKE’s continued momentum in digital storytelling, celebrity coverage and audience-first reporting.
As the countdown to the ceremony begins, EVOKE’s place on the shortlist stands as a notable achievement not just for the brand, but for the strength and ambition of modern entertainment news Ireland.
