Irish Times journalists recognised at business awards

Two Irish Times journalists were recognised at today's UCD Smurfit School Business Journalist Awards, which highlight and reward excellence across Irish business journalism from print, broadcast and online media. This is the seventh year of the awards, which this year were sponsored by eircom Wholesale.

Colm Keena won in the "Economic/Business Comment" cateogry for his "incisive commentary throughout the year" and Suzanne Lynch scooped the interview prize for her discussion with bond investor Michael Hasenstab.

Other winners included Paul Williams of The Irish Independent in the "breaking news category" for his coverage of the Anglo Tapes revelations and RTE's Robert Shortt for "Best Business Feature" for his piece on tax tricks.

In the "Specialist Business Reporting" category Richard Curran and Tom Lyons were rewarded for their documentary "Inside Irish Nationwide", while Mr Curran also received an outstanding achievement award, and Mr Lyons received the "Alumni choice" award, as voted for by the alumni of the UCD School of Business.

Breakthough journalist of the year, which is awarded to someone working as a journalist for three years or less, was Philip Connolly of The Sunday Business Post.

Each winner was presented with an award and a cheque for €1,000.

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Dean, UCD Business, said that the awards recognise that business has a profound effect on society.

"Excellent business journalism gives the public insight and first-hand accounts into stories that shape our everyday lives. In appreciation of this, we are delighted to be leaders in this regard by recognising the top talent in business journalism in Ireland through these awards".

This year's judging panel were: Michael Carey, chair, Judging Panel; Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Dean, UCD Business; Carolan Lennon, managing director, eircom Wholesale; Mary Lambkin, Professor of Marketing, UCD Business; Sam Smyth, journalist and broadcaster; Bobby Kerr, entrepreneur and broadcaster; Shaun Murphy, managing partner, KPMG; Geraldine Kennedy, former editor, The Irish Times; Jack McGowan, CEO, Aer Rianta International and Emer Gilvarry, managing partner, Mason Hayes & Curran.