A collaboration between the Shona Project, Media Central and Ireland’s regional radio stations including Beat 102 103 has won a national radio award.
SHINE Festival which took place in March 2021 and celebrated women in Ireland and abroad, scooped gold at last nights IMRO radio awards.
SHINE placed first in the digital and social innovation category. The festival has been running for three years and has grown from just 100 people to more than 40,000 attendees this year.
Founder of the Shona Project, Tammy Darcy said it was an unexpected victory; "I really wasn't expecting it, I was just sitting at home watching it and I never thought I would be adding IMRO award winning event manager to my CV!"
While she is delighted that the festival has been recognised, she also says it's important to remember what's at the heart of the project.
"Just to reiterate that we are really excited about where shine festival can go, it's a great event but more importantly it really supports and helps young women all over Ireland in a way that's really meaningful and that's what we're most proud of."
This year was the biggest year for the IMRO's with the highest amount of entries ever. Speaking to Beat news, chairman Chris Doyle said it shows how relevant and important radio is to the Irish people.
"I think that shows the enthusiasm and passion for the content that people are producing across radio stations in Ireland. Listening to the judges, that the power that people place on radio is really important in terms of keeping people informed and educated."
The ceremony took place virtually for the second year in a row due to the pandemic although it would usually take place in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny.
