Galway Wednesday 16th April 2008 - The 29th Celtic Media Festival taking place in Galway from today (Wednesday 16th April) has announced winners for arts documentary, sports profile, website, interactivity and education awards.

Celebrating excellence in broadcasting and film talent through the Celtic countries, the Celtic Media Festival will announce a total of 18 awards over the next three days.

A total of 444 entries were received for this year's awards, with the final selections chosen by an international jury comprising representatives from Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cornwall, Wales and Brittany.

The recipients of today's awards were presented with Bronze Torcs for Excellence by TG4's Daithi O' Se and Bernie Ni Chuinn in the Radisson SAS Hotel Galway.

A special prize for interactivity was awarded this year in memory of the late Kieran Hegarty,

Head of Learning and Interactive Services in BBC Northern Ireland, who died last October.


The award winners are:


Clár Faisnéise Ealaíon / Arts Documentary:
R.S.Thomas: The Man Who Went into the West
(WALES)
BBC Cymru Wales / Fulmar
Producer: Catrin Mair Thomas

Próifíl Spóirt / Sport Profile:
Wynebau Newydd: Merch y Gadair Ddur
(WALES)
S4C / Ffilmiaur Nant
Producer: Sian Pari Huws

Suíomh Gréasáin / Website:
http://www.itvlocal.com/wales
(WALES)
ITV Wales

Gradam Chiaráin Uí Éigeartaigh don Idirghníomhaíocht / The Kieran Hegarty Award for Interactivity:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/coalhouse
(WALES)
BBC Cymru Wales
Producer: Sian Davies / Kerry McGeever / Jo Pearce

Oideachas / Education:
Rygbi 100%
(WALES)
Cwmni Da / S4C
Producer: Emyr Llewelyn Gruffudd


Tomorrow afternoon, (Thursday 17th April), TG4's Daithi O Se and RTE's Mary Kennedy will announce winners and present awards in a further six categories including Feature Length Drama, Short Drama, Young People, Animation, Documentary Feature and Drama Series.

Highlight of the awards ceremonies will be the Gala Dinner on Friday night where the prestigious Spirit of the Festival Gold Torc will be presented alongside Radio Station of the Year, the Frank Copplestone Award for First time Director and the Jury Award.