Herald writers in line for top awards

THE Herald is well represented in Ireland's top journalism awards.

Four Herald journalists have been shortlisted in the National Newspapers of Ireland Journalist of the year Awards.

SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR -- Neil Francis

Neil's irreverent, brutally honest and controversial Herald columns have made him a favourite with our readers -- and also with the judges.

The former Lions, Leinster and Ireland player isn't afraid to criticise and his views set the agenda.

YOUNG JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR -- Niall O'Connor (22) Niall has written movingly about a Dublin mum who couldn't avail of cancer treatment because she couldn't afford childcare.

He has broken stories about the last pleas for help from a young mum who froze to death in her flat.

And the young journalist has shown he is a match for more experienced journalists while covering the current presidential campaign.

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

-- Dan White

Dan doesn't pull his punches when it comes to the economy.

His sharp, well-informed and insightful analysis have made him one of the most respected commentators around in the financial world.

Dan cuts through the waffle to the heart of the matter.

CRITIC OF THE YEAR

-- Patrick Freyne

His witty, sometimes caustic -- and always entertaining -- radio and TV reviews have made him a firm favourite with Herald readers.

His weekly radio reviews have become must-read critiques of all that's worth listening to -- and all that's not -- on the airwaves.