Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET Mulgrave Street Campus is celebrating the incredible achievement of Richie Wells, a second-year photography student, who was named Sports Photographer of the Year at the prestigious 2025 National Student Media Awards (SMEDIA) at the Mansion House in Dublin last night. This marks a significant milestone in Richie’s growing photography career, as he earned national recognition for his dynamic and impactful sports imagery.
Richie was nominated in two categories this year: News Photographer of the Year and Sports Photographer of the Year. For the competition, Richie entered three photographs, all focusing on the intense action and raw emotion of wrestling. His compelling series captured powerful moments in the ring, showcasing not only his technical skill but also his ability to convey the drama and intensity of the sport. Richie’s stunning imagery earned him the coveted SMEDIA award for ‘Sports Photographer of the Year’, setting him apart as one of the best emerging sports photographers in Ireland.
One of Richie Wells’ striking photographs that powerfully captures the intensity and raw emotion of wrestling in motion
Richie expressed his pride and excitement after the win saying he was “super proud” to have won the award for Sports Photographer of the Year at the SMEDIA Awards. Eoin McCarthy Assistant Principal of the Arts and Media Department at the Mulgrave Street Campus also spoke about what an honour it is for a student to have their work recognised at a national level: “We are incredibly proud of Richie’s accomplishment, his dedication to his craft is truly inspiring, and this award reflects the hard work he has put into developing his skills. We can’t wait to see where his talent will take him next.”
Richie’s victory adds to the growing reputation of the photography programme, which is part of the Arts and Media Department at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET Mulgrave Street Campus. The programme consistently produces talented students who push creative boundaries and excel in their fields. Cian Kearse, a year one student in the programme was also nominated for News Photographer of the Year at this year’s SMEDIA awards and second year student Jason O’Donnell was nominated for Photographer of the Year.
Richie Wells captures the raw energy and determination of a wrestler in this dynamic shot, highlighting the intensity of the competition.
Paul Patton, Director of Further Education and Training at Limerick and Clare ETB, praised Richie’s superb achievement: “Richie’s win is a testament to his dedication and creativity, and the high calibre of students we have at our College of FET Mulgrave Street Campus. We are thrilled to see him receive this national recognition. His success at the SMEDIA Awards is just the beginning of what we are confident will be a very bright future for him in photography.”
The National Student Media Awards are widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most prestigious honours for emerging talent in the fields of journalism, photography, and broadcasting. The awards recognise excellence in various categories, and Richie’s win for Sports Photographer of the Year places him among the best young photographers in the country.
For more details about the Photography programme at the Arts and Media Department at our College of FET Mulgrave Street Campus and other fully-funded programmes at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of Further Education and Training (now enrolling for 2025/2026), visit www.collegeoffet.ie
A captivating moment from the wrestling ring, expertly frozen in time by Richie Wells, showcasing the drama and athleticism of the sport.
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