Cork student triumphs in national media awards

Cork broadcasting student Sean Ryan triumphed at the National Student Media Awards last night, taking home the award for Radio DJ of the Year.

The ceremony, also known as the Smedia Awards, recognises the best of college students around the country who are involved in student newspapers, blogs, radio stations and more.

Sean is a second-year radio broadcasting student at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa and co-presents radio show The Boost along with fellow student David Sheehan, on Juice FM, the college’s radio station. 

From Farran, Sean attended the awards ceremony in the Aviva Stadium and told The Echo of his shock when it was revealed he had won the award

“I never really thought I would actually win it!," he said. "It feels amazing to have won an award so big. 

"I feel like it was a dream to be honest. It hasn't really sunk in.”

Ryan came out on top in the Radio DJ of the Year category, with four other students from around the country up for the award as well.

Speaking about his achievement, Sean told The Echo: “I got shortlisted by sending the Smedias a 14-minute montage of different links from different shows. 

"Some of the links included were interviews with local Cork rappers like Calm D'Goolys and Witness & Lympio, while other links included myself & co-host, David Sheehan, discussing local topics. 

"I sent it away hoping to receive the award but I felt like the underdog.”