LADY IN RED ALISON PICKS UP TOP TELEVISION NEWS AWARD
FORMER Drogheda Independent journalist Alison Comyn took centre stage at the Irish Film and Television Awards in Dublin last Friday night, accepting the trophy for Best News programme on behalf of her colleagues in the Ireland Live newsroom.
Alison is now anchor on the nightly UTV Ireland news and says she was ‘shocked and delighted’ to have been part of the team to win the prestigious award, beating every other established channel to the title.
‘You’ve heard people say they had nothing prepared as they really didn’t expect to win, but we honestly were left speechless,’ she stated.
Ireland Live news was amongst a shortlisted group that included BBC, RTÉ, TV3 and TG4. The award was for Ireland Live News @ 5:30 – Brexit Special, which was broadcast in June of this year, after the shock result of the referendum.
‘It is always exciting to be involved in such an historic event,’ she added, ‘and this recognition by our industry peers is a testament to the talent on our team and how far we have grown since our first programme in January 2015.’
Alison lives in Drogheda with her husband Malachy, and two children Holly (14) and Luke (12), and is always very proud of her roots.
Although she didn’t get the eye-catching red dress she wore to the IFTAs in the town, she credits other locals for the rest of her red carpet look!
‘Alison from Connolly Moore in Duke Street has a great eye for accessories, and found the perfect bag and earrings to compliment my dress,’ says Alison. ‘And Kellie and David, and the rest of the team in Chameleon hair salon, always make sure my hair is perfect for telly or events like this.’
UTV Ireland was recently acquired by Virgin Media, the same company that owns TV3. ‘It’ll be another few months until we know what form the channel will take,’ she says, ‘ but all departments at our Dublin base and our regional bureaux continue to deliver quality news programmes twice nightly, of which we are very proud.
Last year, Ireland Live was shortlisted for coverage of the visit of Prince Charles and Camilla to Ireland. Alison and the Ireland Live news team are on UTV Ireland at 5.30pm and 10pm, Monday to Friday.