Irish Independent Triumphs at Inaugural All-Ireland Podcast Awards

The inaugural All-Ireland Podcast Awards celebrated excellence in audio storytelling, with the Irish Independent securing top honors. The Indo Daily was named the best current affairs and politics podcast, while Indo Sport – A Closer Look won the award for best sport podcast. The awards ceremony took place on October 13, 2023, at the Woodlands Hotel in Co Limerick, highlighting the growing impact of podcasts across news, sports, comedy, and drama.

The Indo Daily podcast, which airs Monday to Friday, delves into significant stories, offering insights beyond the headlines. Hosted by Kevin Doyle, Tabitha Monahan, Fionnán Sheahan, and Tessa Fleming, it covers a range of topics, from Irish politics to global events. Indo Sport – A Closer Look, hosted by Joe Molloy, provides in-depth exploration of major sports narratives and memorable moments.

Mediahuis Ireland’s Head of Audio, Mary Carroll, expressed pride in the recognition. “It is brilliant that the All-Ireland Podcast Awards are shining a light on all the great work being done in the industry,” she stated. Winning both the daily news and sports categories marks a significant achievement for the Irish Independent. Carroll noted that this recognition coincided with the Indo Daily reaching its highest ever listenership.

During the awards acceptance, Kevin Doyle, Executive Editor of the Irish Independent, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the podcasts. “These podcasts were born out of a traditional newsroom, with journalists who signed up to write stories but are now finding their voice,” he remarked. Doyle emphasized the teamwork involved, bringing together reporters, producers, presenters, sound engineers, and editors in a competitive industry.

The ceremony recognized other notable winners, including RTÉ for its true crime podcast, The Real Carrie Jade, and the BBC’s Cover: Stakeknife, which won in the documentary and drama category. Broadcaster Doireann Garrihy received accolades for The Laughs of Your Life, awarded best podcast in the conversation section. The business and innovation award went to Amplified from the Engineers Journal, while the entertainment award was claimed by Young Hot Guys. Nicky Byrne received the Spotlight Award.

Event founder Kathryn Mason, from Masonry PR, emphasized the significance of the awards in showcasing Ireland’s creative talent. “The huge interest we saw in this first year confirms to me that this is a vital platform for the podcast sector,” she stated, underscoring that this event marks the beginning of a lasting tradition.

Head judge Dylan Haskins noted the exceptional quality of entries, reflecting a diverse mix of content from independent creators, commercial publishers, and public service broadcasters. “The winners of the inaugural awards have been recognised for their excellence,” he commented. The All-Ireland Podcast Awards aim not only to celebrate achievements but also to create an annual occasion for the community to come together and acknowledge the impactful work being done in audio storytelling.