Offaly journalist Eoghan MacConnell shortlisted for award by Law Society of Ireland
A Leinster Express / Laois Live journalist has been shortlisted for a prestigious national media award, for his investigation into the crisis situation at Portlaoise courthouse.
Leinster Express Crime reporter Eoghan MacConnell, who resides outside Tullamore, l has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 Justice Media Awards.
The awards by the Law Society of Ireland, recognise outstanding print, broadcast, and online journalism that contributes to the public’s understanding of justice, the legal system, and access to justice issues.
Mr MacConnell is on the shortlist in the category of Print/online journalism (local), for his report Portlaoise Courthouse crisis detailed in Freedom of Information emails.
His story had revealed that “A Circuit Court Judge wrote to the Courts Service warning that Portlaoise Courthouse is at “crisis point” due to rats, mould, damp and cramped conditions.”
A longstanding and experienced journlist, Mr MacConnell said he is delighted to have been shortlisted.
“It is a real honour to be included among some of the truly impressive articles in the shortlist.
“I am very grateful to the Leinster Express/Laois Live newsroom team and to my Editor Laura McLoughlin. Without them I wouldn’t have the time or opportunity to work on this story which I believe is important to Laois and in particular to Portlaoise,” he said.
He detailed the serious problems at Portlaoise Courthouse that he had highlighted with his story, published in June 2025.
“Portlaoise Courthouse is one of the busiest courts in Ireland and the Courts Service staff, judges, Gardaí and legal professionals all continue to carry out their work in substandard and often difficult conditions. A site for a new courthouse was purchased in KyleKiproe in 2020 but the Government has yet to provide funding for a new building.
“The existing building, which has potential for community use, isn’t equipped to deal with the current volume of court business and there have been problems like antisocial behaviour on the Main Street of Portlaoise. I am fortunate to be in a position to highlight these issues which are of concern to residents and businesses in Portlaoise. To me, making the shortlist is an acknowledgement of the issues at Portlaoise Courthouse and the need for action,” Eoghan MacConnell said.
The shortlists include journalists reporting on justice related issues in both print and broadcast media, on local, national and international topics. The Justice Media Awards received a record-breaking 674 entries across 16 award categories. In total, 158 entries were shortlisted.
Each shortlisted entry has been recognised for showcasing these key criteria and is now in with a chance of winning at the Justice Media Awards ceremony at the Law Society on Thursday 11 June 2026. See full shortlist here.