Established in 2002, the Radharc Awards pay tribute to the legacy of the Radharc Films production unit, renowned for its pioneering work in religious affairs programming for RTÉ over four decades from the 1960s. The Radharc Awards seek to foster and champion the same high standards of craft, content, and commitment in documentary filmmaking, and recognize outstanding Irish documentaries that explore national or global issues pertaining to social justice, human rights, spirituality, religious faith, and heritage.
Awards were presented at a lunchtime event on 24 October 2024 at the Talbot Stillorgan Hotel in Dublin, before an assembled audience of established and emerging programme makers, senior executives from Irish TV broadcasters and distinguished guests from Ireland’s Screen Sector.The Guest of Honour and keynote speaker was Jeremy Godfrey, Executive Chairperson of Coimisiún na Meán, presenting a keynote speech on issues relevant to the future of public service media.
CATEGORY ONE – DOCUMENTARY FOR BROADCAST
The Radharc Trophy was awarded to:
PATRICK – A YOUNG TRAVELLER LOST
A ground-breaking documentary addressing the high suicide rates among the Irish Traveller community, focusing on the devastating story of 12-year-old Patrick McDonagh.
Produced by Alleycats Films for RTÉ.
Executive Producer, Ed Stobart.
Commenting on the outstanding qualities of this film, the independent Radharc Jury said, “It had both televisual flair and moral punch, high production values, an admirable intimacy with its contributors, a normally media-reluctant group of Irish people. In documenting a bleak scenario, it gave insight and hope.”
Highly Commended Certificate was awarded to:
STARDUST – TRUTH (Ep3)
Telling the story of the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, episode 3 ‘Truth’ examines the knock-on effect a tragedy of this magnitude has on an entire community.
Produced and Directed by Máire Kearney for RTÉ.
Commended Certificates were awarded to:
INSIDE THE HOSPICE
Showing how people can live their best life, right to the end.
Produced and Directed by Sharon Lawless, for Flawless Films.
THE LAST NUNS IN IRELAND
Exploring the role of Catholic clergy and religious sisters in Irish life, their aging communities and diminishing vocations.
Liam McGrath, Executive Producer, Scratch Films.
Re-visits the deteriorating situation of 1972 through intimate, unheard testimonies from all sides.
Directed by James Bluemel, for Keo Films & Walk on Air Films.
CATEGORY TWO – DOCUMENTARY FOR DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
The Radharc Trophy was awarded to:
TWO MOTHERS
An Irish mother enters the Ukrainian warzone to bring home the woman who carried her children as a surrogate.
Zlata Filipovic, Producer.
