The crème de la crème of Irish radio gathered for The IMRO Radio Awards took place in the Lyrath Estate Hotel with host Dermot Whelan.

Newstalk walked away with a number of awards, particularly two for Sports Programme Off The Ball and broadcaster John Duggan.

Off The Ball celebrate their Sports Programme of the Year award at the 2026 IMROs. Picture by: Andres Poveda

The Off The Ball team beat RTÉ Radio One's Inside Sport to Sports Programme of the Year, with John Duggan beating fellow Off The Ball broadcaster for Sports Broadcaster of the Year.

Newstalk's Let Me Explain with Sean Defoe was also victorious on the night, winning the Radio Station Podcast of the Year award.

Winners from other categories included Spin 1038 taking home the Music Station of the Year award, and National Station of the Year went to Today FM.

Sean Defoe, Newstalk winner of Radio Station Podcast of the Year at the IMRO Radio Awards 2026. Picture by Andres Poveda.

Bauer Media Ireland's Teena Gates was also honoured at the awards as she was one of the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees.

Speaking on the awards, Chris Doyle, the Chair of the IMRO Radio Awards Committee, said: "Across the awards, we have seen bold ideas, brilliant storytelling and an extraordinary understanding of audiences.

"The IMRO awards recognise the voices we hear, but also the teams whose creativity makes great radio possible. Congratulations to everyone recognised tonight. You have given Irish radio another year worth celebrating.”

Teena Gates, 2026 Hall of Fame inductee, at the IMRO Radio Awards. Picture by: Andres Poveda

Tom Dunne, Chair of IMRO added: "IMRO has been the title sponsor of the Radio Awards since 2017 and we are as proud to support these awards today as we were 9 years ago.

"This evening is a chance to recognise the presenters, producers, researchers, journalists, music programmers, sound engineers and station teams whose talent and dedication shape outstanding radio every day.

"The standard of work represented across these awards is a powerful reminder of the imagination and professionalism that define the sector. Congratulations to all of tonight’s nominees and winners. Thank you for the stories you tell, the music you share and the connection you create."

Main image: Off The Ball celebrate their Sports Programme of the Year award at the 2026 IMROs. Picture by: Andres Poveda