RTÉ was honoured with three Gold trophies, seven Silver, four Bronze Awards and 16 Finalist Certificates at the annual awards, which were announced online.
The awards were across a spectrum of programming including Best Drama Special, Music, Culture & The Arts, Sports & Recreation, National/ International Affairs, Human Rights, Health/Medical Information, Social Issues, Religion and Philosophy, History and several more categories.
RTÉ Player’s influential DocLand documentary Laura Brennan: This is Mewon the Gold Award in the ‘Health/Medical Information’ category in the TV & Film Awards. The film follows the final months in the life of Laura Brennan who died from cervical cancer aged 26, documenting her family and friendships, and her campaigning work to increase the uptake of the HPV Vaccine.
RTÉ One’s Walking the Walk has been awarded Bronze in the ‘Religion and Philosophy’ category. The film is a testament to the faith, humanity, charisma, humour and steely determination of a remarkable priest and his response to his own diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease. Raised by The Village also won a Bronze prize in the 'Docudrama' TV/Film category. Orla Tinsley: Warriorwhich sees Orla's cystic fibrosis journey as she awaits a life-saving double lung transplant secured a Finalist Certificate in the ‘Health/Medical Information’ TV/Film category.
Group Head of RTÉ Factual, Sean Mac Giolla Phadraig, says:
“Between in-house program-makers and colleagues in the independent sector, RTÉ is lucky to be able to work with some of the best documentary storytellers in the world. I'm delighted that the craft in storytelling of documentary teams across Television and Radio has been recognised by the New York Festivals.
I'm particularly proud of the work of teams involved in telling the stories of Laura Brennan and Majella Moynihan and who each won the Gold Award in their respective categories. These awards are a testament to the remarkable bravery of both women. I'm also delighted that Fr. Tony Coote's selflessness was also recognised with an award for Walking The Walk.”
Rose Anderson, VP & Executive Director of New York Festivals International Radio Awards, said:
“New York Festivals is honoring our commitment to salute the achievements of men and women of the creative community around the world whose work so impressed the Grand Juries this year by keeping to the original date of the Storytellers Gala even though we are all at home. The best part of my job especially these days is sharing the news that honors creativity at a high level.”