South East Technological University (SETU) in partnership with NEMETON TV enjoyed a successful year at the Irish Oscars for Students – the National Student Media Awards.
SETU and NEMETON TV scooped a whopping 13 nominations in three categories, with two significant wins for the imaginative short films of the Higher Diploma in Television and Media Production.
Fionn Barron
Filmmaker Fionn Barron won the new Údarás na Gaeltachta Award for Cruthaitheoir Ábhair Gaeilge na Bliana for his lyrical and compelling short film Gairdíní Stella. This personal documentary examines the Stella Gardens area of Dublin after the impact of the 2002 floods.
It captures the immediate chaos and destruction of the floods at the time and the irreversible change right up today. Fionn, whose sister Síomha Barron picked up the award for him, said: “The story is close to my heart. My family feature in the film and they experienced first-hand the impact of the tragedy for the area. Thank you to all the staff at Nemeton TV and SETU for their support.”
Tríona McGrath
Designer and filmmaker Tríona McGrath from Wexford won the Gearrfhíseán Cruthaitheach na Bliana, sponsored by TG4 BLOC. For her first short film Tríona teamed up with Irish language poet and broadcaster Ciara Ní É and musician Morgan de Móinbhíol, to visualise their spoken word and musical collaboration Grá mo Bhrionglóidí. Amy Redmund accepted the award on behalf of Tríona McGrath.
Tríona thoroughly enjoyed making the film in her cousin’s stunning setting, Foley’s of Newbawn, and was delighted to win the award: “I am absolutely buzzing to have won at the SMEDIAS. It’s been a fantastic year learning on the course and I am especially grateful to Ciara and to Morgan who also completed the course a few years ago.”
Dominating
Commenting on the success of the students, Course Leader for the Higher Diploma in Television and Media Production, Dr Moira Sweeney said, “For almost two decades now SETU has been dominating at the SMEDIAS in these categories and many of award winning the short films can be viewed on the TG4 Player in the series CÉAD SEANS.”
Unique programme
“There is good news for anyone interested in directing and editing short drama, documentary film or digital marketing content. The course will commence again in September 2026 with an exciting and innovative blend of practical workshops and online classes,” Moira continued.
“This eight-month course is uniquely tailored to the needs of students who wish to develop their skills while working. The high-quality films produced are broadcast on TG4’s series Céad Seans | First Chance and achieve recognition at festivals around Ireland and have been winning at the National Student Media Awards since 2014.”
Congratulations to all SETU students nominated:
Cruthaitheoir Ábhair Gaeilge na Bliana:
- Fionn Barron (Winner)
- Penelope Kipps
- Ellen Coughlan
- Ainle Ó Cairealláin
- Andrea Foley
TV Production of the Year:
- Ainle Ó Cairealláin
- Fionn Barron
Gearrfhíseán Cruthaitheach na Bliana 2026:
- Amy Redmond
- Lane Palmer
- Síomha Brock
- Tríona McGrath (Winner)
- Muireann Ahern
- Claire Hatton
The Higher Diploma in Arts in Television and Media Production is run by SETU in association with Nemeton TV, one of Ireland’s leading production companies, and Udarás na Gaeltachta.
