Some of the most well-known voices on Irish radio were celebrated in Kilkenny on Friday night at the annual IMRO awards.

The volume was turned up at the Lyrath Estate Hotel on Friday night (October 2), which saw some of Ireland’s most well-known radio hosts come together in their glad rags to celebrate the medium.

Hosted by Today FM’s Dermot Whelan, 42 categories were awarded to radio at its very best, as broadcasters and those who work behind the scenes from every corner of the island came together with an energy that you can’t fake on air.

Some of the biggest awards went to some of the most iconic stations and moments of the year, as Brendan O’Connor’s interview with the late Brenda Fricker, who passed away earlier this year, won Radio Moment of the Year.

Cavan and Monaghan’s Shannonside Northern Sound won Local Station of the Year, while Spin 1038 took home the gong for Music Station of the Year. The coveted National Station of the Year went to Today FM.

‘Across the awards, we have seen bold ideas, brilliant storytelling and an extraordinary understanding of audiences,’ Chris Doyle, Chair of the IMRO Radio Awards Committee, said. ‘The IMRO awards recognise the voices we hear, but also the teams whose creativity makes great radio possible.

‘Congratulations to everyone recognised tonight. You have given Irish radio another year worth celebrating.’

It was also a huge night for the IMRO Hall of Fame, as the country’s favourite uncle Marty Whelan, LMFM’s Michael Crawley, Bauer Media’s Teena Gates and Helen Ní Shé of Raidio na Gaeltachta were celebrated in the Lyrath Estate Hotel following a special induction ceremony last month.

‘IMRO has been the title sponsor of the Radio Awards since 2017 and we are as proud to support these awards today as we were 9 years ago,’ IMRO Chair, Tom Dunne, said. ‘This evening is a chance to recognise the presenters, producers, researchers, journalists, music programmers, sound engineers and station teams whose talent and dedication shape outstanding radio every day.’

‘The standard of work represented across these awards is a powerful reminder of the imagination and professionalism that define the sector. Congratulations to all of tonight’s nominees and winners. Thank you for the stories you tell, the music you share and the connection you create.’

‘Coimisiún na Meán is proud to sponsor the IMRO Radio Awards again this year,’ Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting & Video-on-Demand Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán, added.

‘Radio plays a key role in our media landscape and Coimisiún na Meán is committed to supporting the sector in a range of ways, for example through our funding schemes and engagement on the development of our Broadcasting Services Strategy.

‘These Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the excellence and dedication of those in the industry, and I would like to congratulate this year’s winners, and all involved in delivering for listeners and shaping radio for the future.’ 

More photos from the 2026 IMRO awards can be found below: