IRELAND'S EU Commissioner Mr Padraig Flynn, has launched the All Ireland European Journalism Awards for 1997, with a total of £6,000 in prize money.
The main prize, the Liam Hourican Award, will go the European Journalist of the Year, who will receive £3,000 and a specially designed bronze trophy by Carolyn Mulholland.
The overall award is dedicated to the memory of Liam Hourican, the journalist, broadcaster and European Commission official who died suddenly in 1993.
The chairman of the judges will be Prof Brian Farrell. The former President and EU Commissioner, Dr Patrick Hillery, will also serve as a judge.
In addition to the main award, six awards of £500 will be made for national newspapers, magazines, local broadcasting, local newspapers, national broadcasting and a young European journalist.
Work produced between March 14th, 1996 and March 13th, 1997 is eligible.
The award scheme is organised by the Association of European Journalists in conjunction with the European Commission office in Ireland. The awards have been won by journalists who have produced a wide range of work, and is open to specialists and non-specialists.