Agriawardsfor Kerry ladies

TWO Kerry ladies scooped major honours at the Agricultural Journalism Awards. The awards are hosted biennially with the aim of encouraging excellence in the coverage, by media, of farming, food and rural life, and for Aisling O’Brien and Valerie O’Sullivan it was an evening to remember.

The black tie affair took place last Friday evening in Dublin’s Castleknock Hotel and Country Club where awards were presented in over nine different categories for their depictions of rural life ranging from best article, photo, radio and TV - all with a flair for capturing the essence and importance of agriculture in everyday life.

It’s been a roller-coaster couple of weeks for Valerie O’Sullivan since the launch of her recent book: ‘The McGillycuddy Reeks: People and Places’. Valerie has been busy with book signings of late and her book captures the character of life for those living in one of the most magical landscapes in Ireland.

Valerie took ‘Best Photograph’ for her picture, ‘One Girl and Her Dog’ which was published in The Farmers Journal back in February. The photo shows a girl accompanied by her diligent sheep dog as they both watch over their flock; all in the shadow of the Reeks. Judges said of the photo: “The winner, One Girl and Her Dog, is proof, if it was ever needed, of the old saying that a good picture is worth a thousand words.”

Aisling O’Brien of Radio Kerry won the Best Radio Programme/Story for ‘Whose Land is it Anyway?’ which judges described as “a great example of the power and effectiveness of a well-researched and well produced radio programme getting to grips with the practicalities of life on the land and the attachment people have for it.”

Chairman of the judging panel, Alan Dukes, said that the excellence of the entries in all categories underlines the quality of agricultural journalism throughout the island of Ireland. “Farming, the Agri-food sector and the research community have powerful communications tools at their disposal, thanks to the dedication of members of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists,” he added.

LEFT: Alan Dukes, Public Affairs Consultant and former Government Minister who chaired the judging panel, pictured with Oonagh O’Mahony, Chair, Guild of Agricultural Journalists, presenting the Category Award for Best Photograph to Valerie O’Sullivan

The judges present Best Radio Programme/Story award to Aisling O’Brien, Radio Kerry, for ‘Whose Land is it, Anyway?’