Michael Clifford of the Irish Examiner was named 2016 NewsBrands Ireland Journalist of the Year at a special event in the Mansion House, Dublin on November 3rd.
In addition to the overall 2016 Journalist of the Year award – the first time the Irish Examiner has won the accolade – a total of 24 category awards were presented in this year’s NewsBrands Ireland Journalism Awards, held in association with the National Lottery.
Columnist Michael Clifford, who had earlier won the 2016 category award for Broadsheet Columnist of the Year, was singled out by the judging panel for a body of work that consistently demonstrated the “basic characteristics of good journalism”.
He was presented with his award by Vincent Crowley, Chairman of NewsBrands Ireland, guest of honour Frances Fitzgerald TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Dermot Griffin, CEO Premier Lotteries Ireland and Professor John Horgan, Chairman of the judging panel.
Having presided over the judging of some 1200 individual entries into this year’s awards, Professor Horgan spoke of the decision-making process that saw Michael Clifford crowned Journalist of the Year.
“The person who emerged as the overall winner is a journalist who has demonstrated that, although he is a winner in one category, he would be equally at home in several others,” Professor Horgan said. “In everything Michael Clifford does – commentary, analysis, exposés – he is driven by the three basic characteristics of good journalism in any paper, on any topic, and in any age: evidence, accuracy, and fair-mindedness. And good writing, of course – that goes without saying.”
Also commenting was Dermot Griffin, Chief Executive of awards sponsor, Premier Lotteries Ireland, who said: “We are delighted to support the 2016 Journalism Awards and congratulate all of today’s winners, including our overall Journalist of the Year, Mick Clifford – a worthy winner.”

A valuable contribution to Irish society

Commenting on the awards, Frances Fitzgerald TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, said: “Today’s awards are a fitting tribute to the many talented journalists who make such a valuable contribution to Irish society. Their diligent work sheds light on what is happening on our streets, in our hospital wards, in our courtrooms and our boardrooms, enlightening and entertaining hundreds of thousands of people every day. It is vital work and I commend all today’s winners.”

Tributes for murdered colleagues

Earlier, journalist and broadcaster Matt Cooper paid an emotional tribute to Veronica Guerin, marking 20 years since the Sunday Independent reporter was murdered, as well as Sunday World journalist Martin O’Hagan, who was shot dead by loyalist gunmen in 2001.
“Veronica was one of the finest investigative journalists that Ireland has ever seen,” he said. “She did her job with passion, persistence, courage, integrity and above all an unwavering conviction that the public had a right to know the truth.
“That was a characteristic she shared with fellow journalist, Martin O’Hagan, who had been repeatedly threatened but continued to expose criminal activity in his work.”

For the full list of winners see: http://journalismawards.ie/winners-2016/