THE IRISH Timeshas been named best online publication for the second time in the Irish Web Awards.
The publication beat competition from the Irish Independent, the Irish Examinerand the Belfast Telegraphto take the top award at the ceremony in Dublin for its website irishtimes.com. The paper's online publication has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years.
Irishtimes.com editor Hugh Linehan said the website was pleased to accept the award.
"We're delighted to win best online publication for the second year in a row," he said. "I think it recognises the huge effort, resources and skills that The Irish Timeshas put into its online version and it's great to see that being reflected."
More than 500 websites were nominated for the event, now in its second year, before the shortlist was compiled.
RTÉ.ie was named Ireland’s best website. The national broadcaster also took home the prize for best sports website and most useful website, ahead of Google.ie, property website Daft and Menupages.ie. Last year’s winner was irishtimes.com.
However, RTÉ lost out in the best podcast category to the Persuaders, the best entertainment website to Entertainment.ie and also in the most accessible website category, which was won by Rose Project. RTÉ was also nominated for best radio website, but was beaten to the title by alternative music station Phantom, the second time the station has won.
Blogger Nialler9 took the title of best music website, despite fierce competition from Statemagazine, Muzu TV and Heineken Music, among others.
SiliconRepublic was named top technology site for the second time, and Decisions for Heroes, a collaborative rescue team management tool, won this year’s title of most innovative website.
Organiser Damien Mulley said this year’s event saw a broader range of people attend, including Government organisations.
