A Limerick-based student, writing about the hardship faced by asylum seekers who come here, has beaten the odds, and won Journalist of the Year at the National Student Media Awards (Smedias) for the second year in a row.
Egyptian-born Mostafa Darwish – who has learned how to write in English while studying at University of Limerick – was praised by a team of experienced journalistic judges for his unparalleled work on the challenges faced by asylum seekers in Ireland.
The 31-year-old is currently completing an MA in Journalismat the University of Limerick and was among over 20 UL students shortlisted at this year’s awards ceremony.
Mr Darwish offered he was “so happy that my stories which tell the stories of asylum seekers have had such an impact and have already effected some much needed change for this vulnerable community across Europe”.
“I also am so proud that some of these were the stories that were recognised for this top award. I only spent two years living in Limerick and studying in UL, but Limerick has a huge place in my heart.”
“The University helped me a lot to write in a language that is not my native language, and UL’s green campus helped me to have a peaceful time that I really needed after some tough years.”
Final year UL student Ivan Smyth, from Galway, was named Sports Writer of the Year, while local journalist Christine Costello, who edited this year’s annual UL student newspaper Limerick Voice, picked up the prize for Best Newspaper Layout and Design.
UL journalism lecturer Kathryn Hayes congratulated all of the UL students who were shortlisted in this year’s National Student Media Awards adding, “I am so happy for all of the students who picked up awards and incredibly proud to see a record number of nominations for UL students who worked on Limerick Voice multimedia news project, Prodigy Magazine, An Focal and ULFM.”
“It’s a fantastic achievement for students to have their work recognised by key industry leaders and a real testament to their hard work and talent, after what has been a challenging period for all third level students,” Ms Hayes said.
The 21st Smedia Awards saw a 60% increase in entries this year featuring the hard work of over 240 nominees in 43 highly contested categories.
This year’s judges include award-winning director and screenwriter Robbie Walsh, social media star James Kavanagh and various editors and producers from Ireland’s leading media organisations and high profile presenters such as Angela Scanlon, Maura Derrane, Muireann O’
