DkIT students shortlisted for Shine’s Mental Health Media Awards 2025

Shine is a national charity supporting people with lived experience of mental illness, their families and supporters. The charity’s media programme is responsible for reporting and representation of mental illness and suicide, recognised globally for innovative media-and-mental-health practice.

Two groups of DkIT students have been nominated in the Student Journalism Award, in partnership with TheJournal.ie. It is one of 12 awards across categories including Print & Online, Broadcast, Digital Content and the Refugee Mental Health Award. 

The two Films nominated from DkIT are ‘The Real Cian Stanley’, written by Cian Stanley and brought to life by his crew Tom Johnson, Hannah Meehan, David Daly and Jake Cooney and ‘The Dungeon’ – created by Ben Holland and brought to life by his crew Katie Hughes, Max Farrelly and Shauna Bowden. 

‘The Real Cian Stanley’ is a deeply personal documentary that shares Cian’s own story from being diagnosed with dyspraxia at a young age to overcoming some very difficult obstacles in his life.

“To see my documentary recognised like this feels surreal. It’s a reminder of how far things have come and how powerful it can be to share your truth,” said Cian, from Stackallan, Co.Meath.

“I’m really grateful to see it connect with people, and to have it acknowledged by the Shine Awards! Being the subject and the editor on this project was tough, as it made the process even more emotional, however it was so rewarding in the end as it healed a lot of wounds I never thought would be mended. It gave me the chance to look at everything I’d been through from a new perspective and turn it into something that might give others hope.  Editing the documentary has made me realise how far I’ve come and to shape my story into something honest that might help others is something I am truly proud of.”

The second film ‘The Dungeon’ is a documentary about crew member Ben’s family, the Hollands from Dundalk who are national and world record holders in powerlifting. The documentary explores the mental impact of the training involved in preparing for such intense competitions and the toll things like lifts not going to plan can take on competitors. The documentary focuses on Ben’s siblings Jay, Lucy and Scott and his parents Kevin and Lauri. It explores what happens behind the scenes to prepare for such challenging competitions and the importance of a support network through difficult times. 

“I’m blown away by the nomination, “said Ben. “It reflects the incredible dedication of my team, whose hard work made the documentary the success it is. Directing this project was an unforgettable experience, and I’m deeply grateful to my family for inspiring me to take the leap and bring this story to life.”

Shine welcomes Coimisiún na Meán as event sponsor for the second year, the continued support of UNHCR and the Irish Red Cross for the Refugee Mental Health Reporting category, and a new partnership with HSE Mental Health Engagement & Recovery supporting the new Mental Health Series category. 

Shine CEO Nicola Byrne said: 

“The public’s perception of mental illness is shaped, to a very large degree, by how it is portrayed in media. That is an important responsibility. With these awards, we celebrate outstanding journalism that improves understanding, challenges stereotypes, and fosters informed discussions about mental health. Congratulations to all those shortlisted.”

 Shine Media Programme Lead Áine O’Meara added: 

“Mental health stories can change people’s lives. We received 100s of submissions from media professionals across the country who are shaping how audiences perceive mental health, and sometimes even directly influence the supports audiences need. To cover mental health well is an act of public service and I’m grateful to all those who did that this year. We’re delighted to recognise this contribution through the shortlist.” 

 

ENDS 

Notes to Editors 

Event sponsor: Coimisiún na Meán 

Categories (12): 

1. Print & Online | National 

2. Print & Online | Local 

3. Print & Online | Special Interest 

4. Broadcast | Long Form 

5. Broadcast | Short Form 

6. Digital Content 

7. Student Journalism Award | in partnership with TheJournal.ie 

8. Special Recognition Award 

9. Mental Health Series | supported by HSE Mental Health Engagement & Recovery 

10. Shine Audience Choice Award 

11. Refugee Mental Health Award | supported by UNHCR and Irish Red Cross 

12. Mental Health Champion 

For further Press queries contact:

[email protected] Ellen Lynch, Communications & Engagement Manager— [email protected] Awards queries [email protected]

 About Shine’s Media Programme 

Shine’s Media Programme is a national programme for responsible reporting and representation of mental illness and suicide, recognised globally for innovative media-and-mental-health practice. We work with media professionals, policymakers, academics and stakeholders to reduce suicide contagion via the media, strengthen coverage of mental health, and enhance audience understanding. Our work includes media monitoring, free student and professional workshops, research, policy collaborations, fellowships and awards. Recent contributions include recommendations to the World Health Organization on suicide reporting guidelines, input to Coimisiún na Meán on the Code of Programme Standards and Online Safety Code, and presentations at the World Congress on Suicide Prevention. 

About Shine 

Shine is a national charity supporting people with lived experience of mental illness, their families and supporters. Serving Ireland for nearly 50 years, our vision is a more compassionate Ireland where those affected by mental illness and stigma are supported and included in all aspects of society. Shine provides Community Recovery Services; manages the national Green Ribbon stigma reduction campaign and the national media programme for responsible reporting; and advocates for better policy and services. As a HSE partner of choice in stigma reduction, our Workplace Programme has worked with 100+ organisations since 2013, using a six-step framework to build open, supportive cultures around mental health at work. Learn more at www.shine.ie