Tipperary talent triumphs at Ireland’s young filmmaker of the year awards 2026

Tipperary talent was recognised at this year’s Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTY) 2026, held at the Mansion House in Dublin yesterday, 26 March.

Stagecraft Youth Theatre, Clonmel took home the Best Group Award for their film Pricked, a powerful drama exploring the events of a Debs night gone wrong.

Developed from an original stage production, the film was noted for its honest and sensitive handling of a challenging subject.

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Abbie Burke also received the Bow Street Performance Award for her role in Pricked, recognised for a performance noted for its depth and emotional impact.

The national awards also saw filmmakers from across Ireland recognised at the highest level. The overall title of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 was awarded to Liam Raymond (18), Cavan, for Deep Where The Cailleach Lives.

Second place went to Charlie Beimers (18), Holywood, Co. Down, for The Volunteer, while third place was awarded to Hugo Fearon (18), Belfast, for So-n-so’s Frozen Frog Museum.

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The Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards are part of the Fresh International Film Festival, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Often described as the “Young Oscars” of Irish film, the awards are recognised as one of the leading platforms internationally for young filmmakers.

Jayne Foley, Founder and Director of Fresh Film, said: “After almost 30 years of Fresh Film, it is incredible to see the level of talent coming through. These finalists represent a new generation of filmmakers who are skilled, ambitious and ready to be part of the wider screen industry.”

More than 1,500 entries were received for this year’s awards, with 60 films shortlisted. Finalists progressed through regional screenings held earlier this month, where their work was shown on the big screen to audiences of peers, teachers and families.

More than 500 young filmmakers aged between 12 and 18 attended the ceremony, where 17 awards were presented.

The ceremony was hosted by filmmaker and three-time IYFTY winner Seán Treacy and comedian and actor Faye Shortt, with Meg Hughes covering red carpet arrivals.

Previous IYFTY winners and participants include Oscar-nominated director Vincent Lambe, filmmaker Dónal Foreman, director Conor McMahon, broadcaster Justine Stafford and Cal O’Driscoll, recently nominated at the 2026 IFTAs.

“Once again, Screen Ireland is delighted to support the creativity, resourcefulness and energy of everyone who attended the Fresh Film awards ceremony at the Mansion House. We extend our congratulations to the remarkable young winners, as well as all who participated, and acknowledge their commitment to creative filmmaking in Ireland.

"We also thank the schools, teachers and parents who support these young people, and Jane Foley and the Fresh Film team for delivering a wonderful event that truly reflects the creativity and skill of Ireland’s young filmmakers.”

Louise Ryan, Head of Marketing and Public Affairs, Screen Ireland Fresh Film and the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards are supported by The Arts Council, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Omniplex Cinema Group, Coimisiún na Meán, Limerick City and County Council, RTÉ, Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board, The Radharc Trust, Animation Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland and Bow Street Academy.

Full List of Award Winners

• Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 (1st): Deep Where The Cailleach Lives – Liam Raymond (Cavan)
• Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 (2nd): The Volunteer – Charlie Beimers (Down)
• Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 (3rd): So-n-so’s Frozen Frog Museum – Hugo Fearon (Belfast)
• Best School: Birdy – CBS James Street (Dublin)
• Best Group: Pricked – Stagecraft Youth Theatre, Clonmel, (Tipperary)
• Best Cinematography: What’s The Job – Alana Gaston (Antrim)
• Best Screenplay: Possessed By You – Sonny Santiago (Wicklow)
• Best Director: Fisher Boy – Alexander Hollingsworth (Dublin)
• Best Comedy: Slasher – Liam Donohoe Dunne (Roscommon)
• Best Concept: Shattered Reality – Eoin Brennan (Antrim)
• Best Art Direction: 12 Scissors – Limerick Youth Theatre (Limerick)
• Radharc Award: Life in Listowel – Airt Lyons & Jack Carney (Kerry)
• RTÉ Factual: Embers of the Damned – Rachel Emily McIlhagger (Antrim)
• RTÉ 60 Second: What Goes On Behind – Le Chéile Secondary School (Dublin)
• Animation Ireland Award: The Volunteer – Charlie Beimers (Down)
• Bow Street Performance Award: Abbie Burke – Pricked (Tipperary)

See www.freshfilm.ie for details on all the films, the IYFTY Awards 2026 and the work of Fresh Film.

Caption: Aisling Corbett, Abbie Burke, Millie McGrath, Sarah Grace Ginty from Stagecraft Youth Theatre, Clonmel took home the Best Group Award for their film Pricked at Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards 2026. The awards marked the 30th anniversary of the Fresh International Film Festival,, held at the Mansion House, Dublin, and presented by three-time IYFTY winner Seán Treacy and comedian and actor Faye Shortt, with Meg Hughes covering red carpet arrivals.