*John Cooke. 

ENNIS REPORTER John Cooke scooped two gold awards while Clare FM was named local station of the year at the IMRO Radio Awards.

For the second time in his career, Cooke was awarded news reporter of the year at the IMRO Radio Awards held in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny.

On the night, he claimed not one but two awards, taking home the gong for ‘news story’ following his reporting for RTÉ Radio One on the Creeslough tragedy in Co Donegal.

John joined RTÉ Radio One in August 2015 after more than a decade in local radio including with Clare FM and North West Radio in Sligo. His time as presenter of Morning Focus and Head of News and Current Affairs saw him collect multiple different awards down through the years.

He said he was “honoured” to win both awards which he dedicated to all those who lost their lives in Creeslough and those “still coping with one of Ireland’s worst disasters, thanks to everyone in Donegal for their trust and cooperation”.

Clare FM, Local Station of the Year at the IMRO Radio Awards 2023 held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel. Photo by Andres Poveda.

Clare FM claimed the coveted local station of the year award for the third time. This was the fifth year in succession that the station had been named in the top three local commercial radio outlets in the country. Those accepting the award for the station in Kilkenny included Head of Programming, Padraic Flaherty, breakfast show presenter Colum McGrath, Head of News Fiona Cahill and reporter Darragh Dolan.

2011 was the first time Clare FM was named local station of the year, when the awards were then known as the PPI Awards.

Among those paying tribute to the Francis Street based station for their success were Clare County Council, Clare Arts Office, Ennis Chamber, Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF), Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), Cllr Mary Howard (FG) plus former Morning Focus producer Ben Sweeney.

A documentary on Ennis’ Bernárd Lynch titled ‘Falsely Accused’ which was produced and directed by Clare FM’s Head of Programming, Padraic Flaherty took the silver award, the top award in this category going to ‘Blackrock Boys’ by RTÉ Documentary on One which focused on abuse at Blackrock College, as told by two survivors.

Related News

Lunch Time Lifestyle with the Clare Echo Contributers (8)
Welcome July: time to deadhead & bloom on
bus éireann shannon 343 ennis
NTA to announce launch details of Ennis town bus service
tuam national play day 1-2
Tuam to host National Play Day event
Photograph by Eamon Ward
NPWS Discovery van to serve as mobile visitor centre in The Burren

Advertisement

Latest News
1 DSC_9129
Clare will have 'one hell of a shot' in quarter-final with Waterford - Carmody
Lunch Time Lifestyle with the Clare Echo Contributers (8)
Welcome July: time to deadhead & bloom on
inagh kilnamona v clonlara 05-09-21 30 kevin hehir paraic o'loughlin
Inagh/Kilnamona chase first senior title & Clonlara aim to regain silverware
bus éireann shannon 343 ennis
NTA to announce launch details of Ennis town bus service
tuam national play day 1-2
Tuam to host National Play Day event
Premium
1 DSC_9388
'If he wants to stay he will' - seventh season likely for Lohan
ballymacaula 1
Plans lodged for Ennis' largest single-housing development
01052025_Council_Cliffs_of_Moher_0059
Rita represented West Clare 'with integrity & dignity' during term as Cathaoirleach
Éire Óg v ballyea 07-09-24 1 aaron griffin liam corry 1
Finding new players & promotion was primary focus for Ballyea & Éire Óg
waterford v clare minor 28-06-25 tommy kennedy ian o'brien ger o'connell 1
All-Ireland final defeat won't overshadow year for Clare minors

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement