Meath Chronicle Duo Win National Lottery Community Journalist of the Year Award at Local Ireland Media Awards 2025

The National Lottery Community Journalist of the Year Award was awarded to Ann Casey and Sally Harding of the Meath Chronicle at the Local Ireland Media Awards 2025.

Their winning entry told the story of the Monster Tractor Run, a remarkable community event in Bohermeen and Fordstown, which saw more than 500 tractors, trucks, and vintage cars take to the roads, raising over €220,000 for cancer and suicide prevention charities. The coverage captured the power of local communities coming together in support of vital causes, while preserving the spirit, resilience, and generosity of rural Ireland.

The Local Ireland Media Awards celebrate excellence in regional and local journalism across Ireland, recognising the journalists and newspapers who keep communities informed, connected, and represented. The 2025 judging panel included new judges Katie Hannon (RTÉ Upfront) and Conor Tiernan (DCU), as well as Dearbhail McDonald, Michael Foley (TUD, Emeritus Professor), Dawn Wheatley (DCU), Andrew Sinclair (Kinetic Ireland), Frank Miller (photographer, ex-Irish Times), Valerie Cox, PJ Cunningham, Dr Martina Devlin, Daniel Murray (Business Post), and Gerry McCarthy (Irish Sun). This year marks the eight year the National Lottery has been the primary sponsor of the Local Media Awards.

Commenting on the award, Cian Murphy, National Lottery CEO, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Local Ireland Media Awards, which shine a light on the outstanding work of local journalism. Ann Casey and Sally Harding’s coverage of the Monster Tractor Run is a perfect example of why local journalism matters — telling the stories that bring communities together, reflect their spirit, and ensure voices are heard. Local journalism is more than news; it’s the heartbeat of towns and villages across Ireland.”

Award winners Ann Casey and Sally Harding said: “It was a privilege to talk to the people involved in this huge community event - they were bravely battling their own illnesses and grieving the loss of loved ones but went all out to raise funds for the charities close to their hearts."

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language. In total, more than €6.5 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 37 years ago. In 2024 alone, €239.3 Million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

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