The “Let’s Talk About Drugs” National Youth Media Awards 2017 overall winner has been announced

The Drugs.ie "Let’s Talk About Drugs” National Youth Media Awards 2017 overall winner has been announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin. 

The overall winner is Coláiste Eoin Finglas, for their song ‘Take Your Mask Off’.

This annual competition encourages discussion of drug-related issues by inviting young people aged between 12-25 to produce either a short video, audio recording, poster or article relating to drug and/or alcohol use.

Speaking at the event, guest of honour Bláthnaid Treacy from RTE said:
“The media awards supports young people to consider and engage with the topic of drug and alcohol use, in a meaningful and realistic way. We can encourage young people to gain an understanding of issues associated with drug and alcohol use by exploring and discussing these issues with others, including their peers. By doing this, young people can also learn to make more informed decisions about their own drug and alcohol use in the future.”

Special guests handing out the category prizes were Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin, Union of Students in Ireland; Ciaran Darcy, Irish Times; Nicki Kileen, Ana Liffey Drug Project; Stuart Clarke, Hot Press.

Click here to view all the winning entries

Tony Duffin, Director of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, said:
"It's important that we all continue to engage with young people in a meaningful and credible way in an attempt to inform them of the potential harms of drug or alcohol use. We must also consider our own behaviour and, if we use drugs or alcohol, what impact this may be having on the young people in our lives.

"This is why the Ana Liffey is very proud to be involved with the 2017 drugs.ie Media Awards. This annual competition continues to act as a catalyst for young people to engage in a constructive discussion about drugs and alcohol with their teachers, peers and family."