Two graduates of the WLR and SETU Radio and Podcasting course have been shortlisted for a national IMRO Radio Award.

Gayle Corrigan and Nicola Spendlove have been nominated in the Drama category for Mea Culpa, an original dark comedy radio play produced for WLR.

The Waterford production is the only local radio entry among the five dramas shortlisted, competing alongside 4 RTÉ productions, Jó Johnny Joe, 30 Acres, Chalk & Cheese and Heaven,

Written and produced by Gayle Corrigan and Nicola Spendlove and directed by acclaimed Waterford playwright Jim Nolan, Mea Culpa explores identity, adoption, family and belonging, with the story firmly rooted in Waterford.

The cast includes Nicola Spendlove, Greta Rochford, Michael Power, Angie Goma and Lisa Kennedy, with sound design and editing by Owen Corrigan. The production was funded by Coimisiún na Meán through the Sound & Vision Scheme.

The nomination is particularly significant as Gayle and Nicola are graduates of the WLR and SETU Radio and Podcasting course, which gives participants practical experience in radio, podcasting and audio production.

WLR CEO and Programme Director Michael Byrne said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Gayle, Nicola and everyone involved. To see graduates of our WLR and SETU course now shortlisted for a national IMRO Radio Award, alongside productions from RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, is something we’re very proud of. It shows what can happen when you give new talent the opportunity to develop ideas and get them on air.”

The winners of the 2026 IMRO Radio Awards will be announced at the Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny on October 2nd

You can listen back to Mea Culpa here – https://wlrfm.com/podcast/mea-cupla-2/