Tag Archives: NUJ

TWO local media stalwarts have been honoured for a lifetime of service to the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) at a ceremony organised by the union’s Irish South West branch. Clare Champion Sports Editor Seamus Hayes and public relations professional, Colman Garrihy were honoured for their service to the NUJ over more than 40 years. Lissycasey native Seamus Hayes is well known throughout the county and the region in his role with The Champion, having joined the newsroom directly from St Flannan’s College in Ennis, where he excelled both as a student and sportsman on various teams. Seamus joined the union when The Clare Champion chapel was set up in 1971. In the early days, he was a member of a very trim newsroom staff, which included another long-time NUJ member, Tony Mulvey. He covered Shannon Town when it was in its infancy but sport was always his passion and he brought his personal experience to bear in his writing …

INVESTMENT in quality journalism is essential to combat the rise of so-called fake news, a conference in Limerick has been told. The use of click-bait and fake news to drive traffic to online news and social media sites, allied to a lack of media literacy amongst many members of the public, were some of the factors cited as influencing the rise of this phenomenon at the event in King John’s Castle. Organised by the Irish South-West Branch of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII), the conference entitled Local News Matters featured a panel of speakers offering different perspectives on the theme of ‘The Truth in the News? The role of quality journalism in an era of fake news’. The panelists were Emma O’Kelly, RTE’s Education Correspondent, Cian Connaughton, President of the PRII and Fiona McGarry, Producer of Clare FM’s flagship current affairs programme, Morning Focus. The debate was chaired by Nandi O’Sullivan, …

The National Union of Journalists has welcomed the clarification in the High Court this Tuesday afternoon by Mr Justice Donald Binchy that there is no restraint on the media covering parliamentary proceedings arising from his injunction granted to businessman Denis O’Brien last month. Reacting to the ruling, Séamus Dooley, Irish secretary said, “This is an unambiguous ruling in favour of democracy. The right of parliamentarians to speak under privilege is a cornerstone of our democracy and the right of the media to fairly and accurately report such proceedings is fundamental. “Today is a good day for democracy and the determination will be warmly welcomed by all who believe in the democratic principles of our Republic. It is regrettable that motives have been imputed to journalists and the media organisations, whose sole purpose was the reporting of statements made under parliamentary privilege by an elected representative exercising her right under the constitution.”

The Clare Champion National Union of Journalists chapel today held a minutes silence in solidarity with the people of France, as they begin three days of national mourning following the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris. In a campaign launched by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and supported by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the groups have condemned the French attack. Irish NUJ Secretary Séamus Dooley said there was public revulsion at what had happened in Paris yesterday.  “We stand with the people of France but especially with the families of those who were killed because of their profession, as journalists and guardians of the peace”. Local ‘Clare Champion NUJ representative, Carol Byrne echoed these sentiments; “We remembered today all those whose lives were lost in Paris, their families and friends”. “I now hope that this international campaign will help to highlight the importance of freedom of expression and will unite journalists across the globe in defending that right,” …