WLR’s Dymphna Nugent has been shortlisted for a Justice Media Award.

The Law Society has shortlisted 140 entries for the JMAs 2025.

The awards, the longest-running media awards in Ireland, received a record-breaking 495 entries across 16 award categories.

The JMAs recognise outstanding print, broadcast, and online journalism that contributes to the public’s understanding of justice, the legal system, and access-to-justice issues.

WLR journalist Dymphna Nugent has been shortlisted in the Human Rights/Social Justice Reporting category.

Her story titled ‘Navigating the court system as a sexual abuse survivor’ featured an interview with Miriam Henry who lives in Waterford.

This interview, which was aired on WLR, saw Miriam waive her anonymity to speak of her experiences with the justice system in Ireland.

On July 9th of last year, Miriam’s brother Gerald was found guilty of the habitual sexual abuse of both Miriam and her older sister Irene between 1994 and 1997.
Miriam was aged between six and 10 years of age at the time of the abuse.

Speaking with Dymphna, Miriam spoke of her desire to see character references disallowed within the courtroom in cases such as this. She spoke of the horror she endured, and the hope with which she moves forwards.

Commenting on Dymphna’s award nomination, WLR News Editor Kieran Foley said: “Dymphna has a proud track record of tackling difficult stories which are relayed to our listeners in a sensitive and compassionate manner. This nomination is testament to her journalistic talent and commitment to bringing our audience stories of local and national importance.”

In 2023, Dymphna received a Silver IMRO award in the News Story/News Event of the Year category for her documentary ‘Drug Debt and Intimidation’, which delved into the issues of drug addiction and violence in Waterford.

An awards ceremony will be held at the Law Society on Wednesday, June 25th where the JMA 2025 winners will be announced.