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Representation in Ireland
News article21 April 2023Representation in Ireland

NUIG student wins European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Affairs

NUIG student Tom O’Connor, from Sandyford in Dublin, has been awarded the European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Affairs at the 2023 National Student Media Awards which took place last night in the Aviva Stadium.

Smedias: NUIG Student Tom O'Connor receiving his Smedia 2023 award

This award is given to the student who has written and published the best article relating to EU affairs. The winner of this category receives an award, a €1,000 prize that has been very generously donated by the European Commission Representation in Ireland and will have their article published in either a regional or online publication. 

Tom O’Connor’s piece ‘Tales from Białowieża: A Polish forest steeped in history’ tells of his visit to the Białowieża forest; its history, the challenges it faces from the environment to migration and outlines how the EU aims to protect forests like Białowieża.

Speaking from the National Student Media Awards, Tom said:

I love travelling and writing. I’ve also really benefitted from Ireland’s membership of the EU through programmes like Erasmus and DiscoverEU. It really means a lot to me and my ever-supportive family to be recognised by the European Commission Representation in Ireland in this way.

The 21-year-old is a Third Year Law and Human Rights student in National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG).

Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland Barbara Nolan outlined the importance of supporting young journalists. 

She said:

The European Commission Representation in Ireland is delighted to support students through the National Student Media Awards, especially students writing about EU affairs – this year more than ever as Ireland celebrates 50 years of EU membership.

We have been very impressed with the high standard of entries this year and can confidently say the future of journalism in Ireland is very bright.

The European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Affairs process in managed in Ireland by European Movement Ireland.

Details

Publication date
21 April 2023
Author
Representation in Ireland