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23 Oct 2025
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23 Oct 2025
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Anna Lohunova, from Manorhamilton placed first in the Photojournalism category of the Young Journalist Ireland awards with President of the Press Photographers Association of Ireland, David Branigan
A talented young Leitrim student from Manorhamilton placed first in this year's Photojournalism category of the Young Journalist Ireland awards.
Anna Lohunova, who originally hails from Ukraine, was one of the winners of the awards, run by NewsBrands Ireland, with the results announced yesterday at a ceremony in the Aviva Stadium, celebrating the outstanding work of secondary school students across the country.
Anna left her home in the Ukraine for Ireland and the winning photograph "is extra personal to the photographer who left her home in Ukraine to live in Ireland. The happiness in this photograph carries a message of peace, hope and optimism for a happy future," said the judges.
Prizes were awarded across five categories: Features, Opinion, Sports Journalism, Photojournalism, and School Newspaper.
Commenting on the Photojournalism, judges noted that "Photography can be many things to many people. Sometimes it is about art, often it is the story behind the image that carries the true meaning about what is being conveyed. This careful composition and arrangement is full of life and colour and could be typical of many homes. Strong colours and good contrast in an image again play a role in drawing the viewer to the story; in this case, it could be a feature about Springtime or Easter, easily used in a newspaper, magazine or a school journal."
Now in its 13th year and formerly known as Press Pass, the Young Journalist Ireland programme reaches over 10,000 Transition Year students annually. The initiative is designed to build media literacy skills, foster critical thinking and inspire the next generation of journalists. Students learn to assess sources, identify misinformation and create their own journalism, guided by professional journalists and editors.
The competition entries were judged by a panel of national journalists and editors, recognising both individual creativity and school-based collaboration.
Other winners
Overall Student Journalist of the Year was Grace Callaghan, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co. Cork with other winners hailing from Cork, Wicklow and Kerry.
READ MORE: Leitrim locals hear about benefits of retrofitting grants
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