Newstalk's courts correspondent Francesca Comyn has been honoured with a Justice Media Award from the Law Society.

The awards focus on published works or broadcasts that have helped to inform and educate the public on the role of law in society.

She was the winner in the National Radio category for 'District Court childcare proceedings' on Newstalk Breakfast.

In April of last year, Francesca broke a distressing story from the District Court - where an emergency care application had been made relating to two young children in what she described as a 'house of horrors' situation.

Very serious allegations of abuse and neglect were made against the parents of the children.

A picture of Francesca's award

The Law Society says Francesca "explained the details incredibly well, skillfully combining the facts with a clear analysis of the legal issues involved".

"She successfully filtered the distressing facts to present an appropriate, compelling report, which also highlighted the often unexplored role of women in abuse cases, and the sensitive work of the family law courts."

"This case presented a challenge on many fronts, which this reporter surmounted admirably," it adds.

Meanwhile a merit certificate was awarded to 'Talking Point' host Sarah Carey, for her feature"Gender identity - Lydia Foy".

Speaking to Dr Foy shortly after she settled her long-running action against the State, 'Talking Point' "sought to combine the various personal, legal and social elements of her battle to secure a birth certificate in her acquired female gender", the Law Society says.

It adds that Sarah "approached the interviews with sensitivity but asked the necessary questions. In doing so, she has contributed significantly to the public's awareness and understanding of this evolving area of the law."