The Northern Editor of The Irish Times, Mr Deaglan de Breadun, has received a top journalism award in the North.
The award for daily news journalist of the year was presented to Mr de Breadun last night at the Institute of Public Relations and British Telecom press and broadcasting awards in Belfast's Europa Hotel, which was attended by more than 400 people.
Mr de Breadun was appointed Northern Editor of the paper in 1997. Before that he was a member of the political staff. Since joining The Irish Times in 1978, he has reported from Moscow and held the position of Irish Language Editor.
A native of Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, he was educated at CBS Synge Street in Dublin and UCD. He is the author of a best-selling collection of short stories in Irish entitled Scealloga.
Television presenter Eamonn Holmes presented the Northern Ireland IPR/BT awards to the winners in 17 categories, including overall journalist of the year, sports journalist of the year, feature writer of the year and best newcomer.
Now in its sixth year, categories introduced to the award ceremony this year included best environmental journalist and best entertainment journalist.