Cork student crowned Young Journalist of the Year for feature documenting her own battle with scoliosis

The Irish Sun

13-05-2025

A CORK student has been crowned the Young Journalist of the Year for a feature documenting her own battle with scoliosis.
Grace Callaghan, of Pobalscoil na Trionoide, Youghal,
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Grace Callaghan was crowned the Young Journalist of the Year
Credit: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography
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She won for a feature documenting her own battle with scoliosis
Credit: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography
Speaking about her winning piece, Chair of the Judging Panel and Business Post Editor Daniel McConnell said: 'Grace Callaghan demonstrated an ability to write a truly evocative piece about wrestling with preconceptions around body image and seeing scars not as imperfections but as symbols of resilience in the face of adversity.'
The judge's citation said: 'This year's winning feature is a courageous and deeply personal journey through scoliosis diagnosis, surgery, and recovery.
'This piece stands out for its ability to reframe a medical condition not as a limitation but as an opportunity for growth.
'Grace challenges societal ideals of perfection and instead offers a powerful message: that scars, far from being blemishes, are markers of survival, strength, and authenticity. Her story does not just inform— it uplifts and empowers.'
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The winners of the awards, run by NewsBrands Ireland, were announced at a ceremony in the Aviva Stadium, celebrating the outstanding work of secondary school students across the country.
Prizes were awarded across five categories: Features, Opinion, Sports Journalism, Photojournalism, and School Newspaper.
The Irish Sun last year launched its
As of last month, 228 children who need operations for conditions like scoliosis
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Our Kids Can't Wait Campaign
WAITING lists in Ireland have long been a national disgrace.
More than 106,000 children are on hospital waiting lists for all treatments. However, a new source of shame has emerged as 327 children wait for life changing spinal surgeries.
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Earlier this month, the Seanad heard how at least one child has become permanently paralysed since the issue was raised publicly before Christmas.
Their plight has been spearheaded by campaigning Senator Tom Clonan, who himself has a child with a disability.
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has even admitted that the health service is failing these kids.
Children are being allowed to deteriorate due to mismanagement, which has allowed the waiting lists to grow.
The Irish Sun's Kids Can't Wait campaign aims to shine a light on how the State is failing sick children and give their families a voice.
It will also force the Government to do something to clear the backlog of operations and give these children a chance of living a normal life.