Having already picked up two copywriting prizes at the recent NNI Press Ad of the Year awards, Ogilvy & Mather have continued their hot streak by landing the Press Ad of the Month award for January 2011.

‘Josh’, which was developed to raise awareness of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, was written and art directed by Ogilvy’s Laurence O’Byrne,Typography by Andy Breese and Media planning was courtesy of MEC Ireland.

The January winner was selected by judges Shireen McDonagh of Kick Communications and Pat Stephenson of Boys & Girls, with additional adjudication by Eoghan Nolan of Brand Artillery.

Commenting on the winning work, Pat Stephenson confessed that he is indeed a sucker for long copy, adding: “Although not perfect, this adworks for and on me; I totally relate to Josh and what he is going through, and I want to help. Advertising that touches you and makes you take action; the winner for me.”

Eoghan Nolan, meanwhile, said: “This is an emotional approach based on the compelling proposition that children with life-threatening illnesses have the same dreams and wishes as healthy children.

“An ad that builds on the engaging power of long copy, it’s devised for press and uses the medium as a springboard. Art direction-wise, it has considerable intrigue (the reader is invited to stop and decipher) and that’s to be applauded.”

‘Josh’ becomes the first ad into the hat for the 2011 NNI Press Ad of the Year awards, where it will be joined by a number of other ads shortlisted in the January competition. They include:

‘Fyffes & Chimps’ by DDFH&B for Fyffes
‘Focus’ by Ogilvy & Mather for Ford Ireland
‘Rosalie’ by bloom for Plan Ireland
‘Northern Lights’ by McConnells for UCD
‘Skincare/Save 33%’ by DDFH&B for Vichy

Congrats to all.

Agency: Ogilvy / MEC Ireland
Client: Make A Wish Foundation
Ad Name: Josh
Copywriter: Laurence O Byrne
Art Director: Laurence O Byrne
Creative Director: Colin Nimick
Typographer: Andy Breese
Media Planner: MEC Ireland