Roscommon Deputy Editor shortlisted for two Mental Health Media Awards

Roscommon Herald Deputy Editor Richard Canny has been shortlisted for two awards in Shine’s Mental Health Media Awards 2025.

His entry ‘Living with the trauma of war many miles from home’ was chosen by a panel of judges to go through to the awards event in Dublin next month.

The story was selected in two categories, ‘Print & Online Local’ and the ‘Refugee Mental Health Award’, supported by UNHCR and Irish Red Cross.

The awards recognise excellence in Irish media coverage of mental health across all platforms. The awards celebrate journalists, producers, editors and content creators whose work improves public understanding of mental health, challenges stereotypes and fosters informed discussion.

Shine CEO Nicola Byrne said: “The public’s perception of mental illness is shaped, to a very large degree, by how it is portrayed in media. That is an important responsibility. With these awards, we celebrate outstanding journalism that improves understanding, challenges stereotypes, and fosters informed discussions about mental health. Congratulations to all those shortlisted.” 

Shine Media Programme Lead Áine O’Meara added: “Mental health stories can change people’s lives. We received hundreds of submissions from media professionals across the country who are shaping how audiences perceive mental health, and sometimes even directly influence the supports audiences need.

“To cover mental health well is an act of public service and I’m grateful to all those who did that this year. We’re delighted to recognise this contribution through the shortlist.” 

Shine welcomes Coimisiún na Meán as event sponsor for the second year, the continued support of UNHCR and the Irish Red Cross for the Refugee Mental Health Reporting category, and a new partnership with HSE Mental Health Engagement & Recovery supporting the new Mental Health Series category.

The winners will be announced at an event in Dublin on December 3rd.