The 2025 IMRO Radio Awards took place this evening at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, bringing together the best of the Irish radio industry to celebrate another remarkable year.
Hosted by Dermot Whelan, the event recognised excellence across news, music, sport, current affairs, entertainment, and innovation, with winners announced in 42 categories.
Chair of the IMRO Radio Awards committee, Chris Doyle said “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and shortlisted nominees. Your work represents the very best of Irish radio; creative, compelling, and deeply connected with audiences. The standard across the board has been exceptional, and it’s a true privilege to celebrate the talent, passion, and dedication that make our industry so vibrant. Radio continues to thrive, innovate, and inspire, and tonight we honour not just the achievements, but excellence that defines our sector. It’s a proud moment to stand alongside such outstanding colleagues and celebrate together.”
This year’s ceremony saw the largest number of entries in over ten years. The Awards continue to showcase the strength and creativity of radio across the island of Ireland, highlighting its vital role in informing, entertaining, and connecting listeners.
The evening also paid tribute to the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees – John Bowman (RTÉ), Fr. Brian D’Arcy (BBC Radio Ulster), and Scott Williams (ONIC) – each honoured for their outstanding contribution and lifelong dedication to Irish broadcasting. This year’s Outstanding Achievement was awards to RTÉ Radio 1’s Liveline at 40.
Eleanor McEvoy, Chair of the main sponsors IMRO said “At its heart, radio has always been local. It’s rooted in community – it’s rooted in the accents, the humour, the news, and the songs that mean something to the people who tune in every day. When a station reflects its listeners, when it champions the artists and songwriters who live among them, something magic happens. People hear themselves in it. They feel seen, and they feel connected. That connection matters. Because if everything starts to sound the same, if all we hear, wherever we travel, are the same playlists, the same stories – then society loses something vital. We lose the colour, the richness, the individuality that makes every city, every town, and every county, unique. As a songwriter, I know how important that first play on a local station can be. It’s not just airplay – it’s belief, and it’s validation. There’s nothing that can give you that endorsement in the way that Radio can, and it’s always been utterly vital – in helping artists find their voice, and in helping audiences find their soundtrack to their lives”
Speaking at the event, Coimisiún Na Mean Commissioner Aoife MacEvilly said “Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to be sponsoring this year’s IMRO radio awards. I would like to congratulate all involved in tonight’s success. It’s been busy. We have, since 2023, re-licensed 24 commercial radio broadcasters. Sound & Vision continues to support the sector with €1.5million going to radio stations and €1.6 million to independent radio producers in 2024. Separately, our currently open News Reporting Scheme includes €3 million ringfenced for commercial radio by Minister Patrick O’Donovan. The development of our new Broadcasting Services Strategy will involve extensive research and consultation activities, including an environmental and economic analysis of the current and future Irish broadcasting landscape, and audience research to better understand evolving needs and expectations. We look forward to engaging with radio stations to hear yours views on how radio can continue to play a vital role in serving Irish audiences.”
Key Awards of the Night
- Local Station of the Year – Clare FM
- Music Station of the Year – RTÉ Lyric fm
- Full Service Station of the Year – Today FM