The inaugural Three FAI Communications Awards were presented at Friday's FAI pre-AGM delegates' dinner, which took place at the West County Hotel in Co. Clare.

 

The awards were introduced by Three and the FAI to applaud those who use various communications tools to tell a particular story about, or promote an aspect of, all levels of Irish football.

 

Legendary RTÉ broadcaster, Philip Greene (R.I.P) was honoured at the event with the inaugural Three FAI Communications Hall of Fame award following his passing last May. His award was collected by his widow, Patricia Greene, in his memory.

 

 

Meanwhile, Evening Herald football correspondent Eamon Scott scooped the Best National Article award while Johnny Craig from the Inish Times captured the Best Regional Article award.

 

 

TV3 were awarded the Three Communications Award in the Best National broadcast category for their extensive coverage of the UEFA Europa League, which took place at the Aviva Stadium on May 18, 2011. Clem Ryan in KFM was also recognised in the Best Regional Broadcast Item for his human interest feature on a schoolboy football match in the region.

 

 

Other winners of the inaugural Three FAI Communications Awards included Bobby Lynch from the North Tipperary Schoolchildren's League who won the Best PRO category. Bray Wanderers triumphed in the Best Publication category for Aidan O'Toole's book, '25 years in League of Ireland Football'. Tramore Rangers won the Best Website category, and the Photography Award was given to Noel Browne from the Munster Express.

 

Speaking at the announcement, FAI Communications Director, Peter Sherrard said, "These new awards have been introduced to recognise all of the good work being done by journalists and PRO's the length and breadth of the country. Despite being in its inaugural year, the Three FAI Communications Awards have attracted a large number of quality entrants from all over the country which made the task of picking the individual winners for the jury panel extremely difficult.

 

"While just one award can be made in each category, I congratulate all of our entrants and urge all of this year's outstanding nominees to apply again next year," he said.

Rachel Channing, Communications Director of Three congratulated the inaugural winners of the Three FAI Communications awards. "Journalists and club PRO's do so much hard work to report on the game and we are delighted to recognise that dedication through these new awards which underline our commitment to Irish football at all levels."

 

The Three FAI Communications Award winners are;

Best Article

National - Evening Herald, Eamon Scott, Regional - Inish Times, Johnny Craig.Best Broadcast Item

National - TV3 - Ireland AM, TV3 News and coverage of Europa League final on May 18.

Regional - Kfm - Clem Ryan.

Best Website
Tramore Rangers - www.tramorerangersfc.com

PRO - Bobby Lynch - North Tipperary Schoolchildren's Football League

Publication
Bray Wanderers - ‘25 years in League of Ireland Football' by Aidan O'Toole

Photograph
Noel Browne - Munster Express

Hall of fame
Philip Greene - (RIP) RTÉ.

 

Picture shows Patricia Greene, left, with her daughter Rhona Greene, receiving the Hall of Fame award on behalf of her husband, RTE sports commentator Philip Greene

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