Download the 2025 winning entries.
IAPI, the organisation representing the advertising, media, and communications industry, today announced the 14 exceptional young talents who are the winners of the prestigious 2025 Irish Young Lions competition.
The Young Lions Competition is part of the Cannes Lions International Festival. Held annually in Cannes, the festival is the home of the world’s most prestigious advertising awards and is the epicentre for the global advertising and communications industry.
Commenting on the announcement, Siobhan Masterson, CEO of IAPI said "IAPI is delighted to support early-stage career professionals through the Cannes Young Lions competition. The opportunity to compete on what is the global stage for an industry showcase provides invaluable experience and exposure to the winning Irish teams. Representing Ireland at this prestigious global event enhances the international reputation of Ireland’s commercial creative industry.”
Cannes Young Lions aims to provide early-stage career development to young professionals giving them a unique opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage.
- Design: Conor Leech & Tom Davis (Publicis Dublin)
- Digital: Eimear Byrne (OMG) & Gabriella Pricop (PHD)
- Film: Lucy Mortell & Isabel Harvey (Publicis Dublin)
- PR: Fiona Peppard & Deirbhile Brennan (Wilson Hartnell)
- Print: Caitlin Roarty (Accenture Song) & Joy Nelson (Invention, Group M)
- Media: Maria Williams & Sarah Jane Clarke (Starcom, Core)
- Young Marketers: Damien Biggins & Katie Bradley (Allianz Ireland)
The selection process involved judging over 200 entrants across seven categories - Design, Digital, Film, Media, PR, Print, and Young Marketers - these talented teams demonstrated their creativity, skill, and passion. They tackled briefs for ADHD Ireland and Spinal Injuries Ireland, delivering innovative campaigns with impactful results within a 48-hour timeframe.
Max Brady, Executive Producer, Bodacious and 2025 Young Lions sponsor, said: “Once again, awed by the impressive talent taking part in the Young Lions competitions within our sector. Particularly noticeable was the number of young women coming through - and we must do all we can in Irish Advertising to retain that female talent. As always – Bodacious are proud to be a part of IAPI’s program for younger creative talent.”
Chloe Hanratty, Brand Specialist, and author of this year’s briefs added: “The ideas shown this year were brilliant responses to the briefs and included clear choices in how to focus the attention of the viewer. Simple, refined, effective.”
IAPI will host a well-deserved celebration for our Young Lions at the Winners Showcase on Wednesday, 16th April, where they will take to the stage to showcase their winning work. Join us to wish the Young Lions 'Bon Voyage.' You can book your ticket via Eventbrite here>>
Supported by: Bauer Media Group, Bodacious, Business Post, Droga5 Dublin, Sky Ireland and Smurfit Westrock.
For more information on the Young Lions competition, please contact sophie@iapi.com.
The 2025 Young Lions winners were photographed by Conor McCabe.
Conor Leech, Junior Designer, Publicis Dublin
Tom Davis, Junior Editor, Publicis Dublin
“This team delivered a confident and assured presentation of a simple but very effective idea. Their design has potential to make a real-life impact and raise awareness of a serious issue.” Sinead Gill, Director, PR and Media Relations, Smurfit Westrock and 2025 Young Lions Sponsor.
Eimear Byrne, Senior Social Media Account Manager, OMG
Gabriella Pricop, Account Manager, PHD
“A really positive and impactful approach. They showed understanding of the problems faced by people with spinal cord injuries and presented a well-researched and digital first solution which could be implemented quickly and easily with great potential for longevity and impact.” Oisin Fahy, Corporate and Philanthropy Lead, Spinal Injuries Ireland.
Lucy Mortell, Copywriter, Publicis Dublin
Isabel Harvey, Creative Copywriter, Publicis Dublin
“I have been amazed by the insight and creative energy shown by Isabel and Lucy as winners of the Film category and that they only had 48 hours to deliver such astounding work. We wish them every success in Cannes!” Ken Kilbride, CEO, ADHD Ireland.
Fiona Peppard, Account Director, Wilson Hartnell
Deirbhile Brennan, Account Manager, Wilson Hartnell
“This team have the experience and capacity to ‘think outside the box' and use research to inform their ideas. They'll do us proud whatever Cannes throws at them.” Martina Byrne, CEO, PRII.
Caitlin Roarty, Designer, Accenture Song
Joy Nelson, Art Director, Invention (Group M)
“This print ad for Spinal Injuries Ireland is a smart, meaningful use of the medium. It transforms the newspaper advert into something both physically and emotionally powerful. Execution will be key, but the idea is creative, thought-provoking, and was standout.” Peter Snodden, Creative Director, The Brill Building
Maria Williams, Senior Client Manager, Starcom, part of Core
Sarah Jane Clarke, Senior Client Manager, Starcom, part of Core
“A great name, a really clear idea and a unique media channel. Well done, and best of luck in Cannes!” Eoin Conlon, Creative Director, TBWA\Ireland
Damien Biggins, Propositions Specialist, Allianz Ireland
Katie Bradley, Sponsorship Executive, Allianz Ireland
“This team dug deep into what behavioural change was really required. They explored prosocial influence, and built a sharp, single-minded idea around it. What’s impressive is how clearly that thinking carried through into the execution, focused, grounded, and ready to deliver impact. This campaign has the power to shift how spinal cord injuries are seen in Ireland and shape a new generation of allies.” Conor Byrne, Head of Marketing, 123.ie and host of That’s What I Call Marketing podcast
