COPIED
1 mins

GALAS SPECIAL

EMERGING JOURNALIST

AWARD RECIPIENT

Conor O’Carroll

Conor O’Carroll is an investigative journalist with The Journal. Earlier this year, they published a three-part series of articles on Ireland’s trans healthcare system, which stood out for its comprehensive analysis and the inclusion of a variety of trans perspectives, something that is often missing from mainstream coverage. Conor was also praised for bringing these issues to the forefront in a way that treated interviewees with humanity and respect.

Accepting the award, they thanked the team in The Journal Investigates for allowing them to write the series, and extended a special thanks to all the people who spoke to them about their experiences. “It took real courage, and without you, there wouldn’t have been a story,” Conor concluded.

NOMINEES

Azmia Riaz

Azmia Riaz is a rising voice in Irish journalism, currently working for the Irish Independent. She is known for her inclusive and thoughtful coverage of LGBTQ+ issues, particularly those affecting people of colour and rural communities. Since arriving in Ireland, she has quickly made a mark, using online and print platforms to share real stories that foster understanding and push for a more inclusive society.

Christine O’Mahony

Christine O’Mahony is credited with bringing a crucial and underrepresented perspective to Irish media. Currently working with Athlone Community Radio, she also contributes to Meath News and is a keen activist, volunteering with Heartlands Pride, Longford Pride, Mullingar 4 All and the Longford-Westmeath Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, to name a few.

Mia Poland

Mia Poland is an LGBTQ+ radio presenter known for hosting Out in Cork on 96fm and Pride Vibes on LMFM. She can also be heard on FM104 and Live95, and writes articles for various publications highlighting the queer happenings in Munster.

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FROM THE TEAM
Welcome, dear reader, to the October 2025 issue
A time for action
I t has been a busy period for
Em — bracing my identity
As part of GCN and Belong To’s ongoing collaboration to platform a new generation of LGBTQ+ voices, Beth Clancy shares what it’s like coming out in a small town.
In pursuit of queer joy and resistance
Books — Activism — Ireland
The Galas
LGBTQ+Awards
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
After leaving her post as CEO of LGBT Ireland in August, Paula Fagan received Person of the Year at The GALAS in recognition of the incredible work she did throughout her tenure. Ahead of the ceremony, Alice Linehan sat down with the award recipient to discover more about her life and career.
DAVE THOMAS
Originally from Dublin, Dave Thomas decided to move to Arklow in County Wicklow 22 years ago, where he is now a fundamental part of the local community and a true changemaker. But his activism started long before that, and Beatrice Fanucci spoke to The GALAS Person of the Year nominee to find out more.
LYNDA SHERIDAN
Lynda Sheridan is a proud trans woman who has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland. Nominated for Person of the Year, she opened up about her experiences to Beatrice Fanucci .
JENNY MAGUIRE
Nominated for two individual awards at The GALAS 2025, Jenny Maguire is a force to be reckoned with. The eventual recipient of the Joe Drennan LGBTQ+ Young Trailblazer trophy, she spoke with Sarah Creighton Keogh ahead of the ceremony to share her key ingredients for driving a movement.
COMMUNITY ORG -VOLUNTEER STAFF
AWARD RECIPIENT Trans & Intersex Pride Dublin Bold,
COMMUNITY ORG -PAID STAFF
AWARD RECIPIENT GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV)
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
AWARD RECIPIENT Gemma Cooney Gemma Cooney is a
EVENT OF THE YEAR
AWARD RECIPIENT Roscommon Pride 2024 Roscommon Pride was
JOE DRENNAN LGBTQ+ YOUNG TRAILBLAZER
AWARD RECIPIENT Jenny Maguire Making history as Trinity
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVIST
AWARD RECIPIENT Viktória Radványi Viktória Radványi’s leadership within
EMERGING JOURNALIST
AWARD RECIPIENT Conor O’Carroll Conor O’Carroll is an
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
AWARD RECIPIENT Nazlı Yıldırım Photographer Nazlı Yıldırım was
SPORTS
AWARD RECIPIENT Frontrunners & Briskwalkers Cork With over
NOEL WALSH HIV ACTIVISM
AWARD RECIPIENT Bill Foley Activist Bill Foley received
OUTSTANDING COMPANY
AWARD RECIPIENT Catapult Catapult leads by example, weaving
OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS
AWARD RECIPIENT Adonis Flower Designers Adonis Flower Designers
LGBTQ+ ALLY
AWARD RECIPIENT Mammies for Trans Rights In an
LGBTQ+ EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP
AWARD RECIPIENT INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group The INTO
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
AWARD RECIPIENT Michael D. Higgins Later this year,
A glorious 30 years
It’s a Tuesday evening, and Glória LGBT+ Choir’s rehearsal room is packed with members warming up their vocal chords. As Sarah McKenna Barry takes an empty chair in the back row, the tenor to her right informs her that she’s picked a good place to sit.
MORE THAN MUSIC
Ahead of her biggest gig yet in the Button Factory, Sarah McKenna Barry caught up with Elaine Mai to chat about her second album, Palestinian advocacy and the catharsis of music production.
Directory
Directory
Feature
In the second instalment of her series diving into the history of Dublin’s queer bars from 1973 to 1993, Hana Flamm turns attention towards JJ Smyth’s, which became a hotspot for the city’s lesbians. Image courtesy of Irish Queer Archive/National Library of Ireland .
TWO YEARS OF GENOCIDE IN GAZA
By Zoë Lawlor, Chairperson of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC)
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