Gerry Mooney, another Irish Independent photographer, won in the Public Relations category
More than 100 images and videos were reviewed across 11 categories at the 48th instalment of the awards, hosted by Miriam O’Callaghan at O’Reilly Hall in UCD.
“In a very strong field, this photographer’s work nonetheless stood out,” the judging panel said of Mr Condren’s photos.
“They presented an exceptional range of subject matter across multiple categories, which instantly provoked interest and admiration for the superb skill and judgment on display.
“Iconic moments of human suffering and human joy elevate the work of this press photographer beyond the immediate and the graphic, provoking reflections on our contemporary world at a time of chaos and of great change.”
Acknowledging the increasing infringement of “AI-generated doubt” on the art of photography, David Branigan, president of Press Photographers Ireland, described Mr Condren’s work as “a reminder of the need not only for truthful images, but also technical skills and creativity”.
He added: “Winning this sought-after award makes him a worthy champion for all photographers.”
Gerry Mooney and Mark Condren last night
Mr Condren also finished first place in the Daily Life and People, Portrait, Nature and the Environment, and Arts and Entertainment categories.
In addition, he received a second-place award in the Portrait category, and third-place awards in the Politics and Multimedia categories.
Mr Condren, from Castletownroche, Co Cork, is renowned for his expert, cutting-edge imagery and human-interest photography.
He started his career in local newspaper The Avondhu before stints at The Corkman and the Sunday Tribune.
Another winner on the night was Gerry Mooney, also of the Irish Independent, who won the award for Best Public Relations photo for his image of Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon struggling to lead Simmental cattle at the launch of the 2025 National Ploughing Championship last year.
AIB chief executive Colin Hunt praised the “outstanding work” of all entrants, saying “they hold a mirror up to our villages and townlands”.
‘Ministerial Struggle’: Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon with Tiger Lilly and Tempting Tessa at the launch of the 2025 National Ploughing Championships. Photo: Gerry Mooney
Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said: “In 2026, we live in a world of increasing disinformation and where truth is so often under attack.
“The photojournalism skills exhibited here have never been more important because the threat to authenticity has never been as profound.”
Notable victors across the categories were Niall Carson of PA in News, Morgan Treacy of INPHO in Sports Action, Tom Honan from the Irish Daily Mail in Politics, and freelancer Michael McLaughlin in Multimedia and Best Use of Technology.
The judging panel consisted of former EU Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly, photo-book creator Kate Horgan, UK-based photographer Kieran Doherty and Multimedia category judge Philip Bromwell from RTÉ.