Ashville Media Digital Media Awards 2024, held in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.
September 2024. Paul Sherwood – Photographer.

Last September, I had one of the most incredible nights of my life when I was named Digital Marketing Student of the Year at the 2024 Digital Media Awards, one of Ireland’s most prestigious events celebrating excellence in digital media, marketing and creativity.

The awards ceremony was held at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin, bringing together over 500 industry professionals, creatives, and future leaders in digital media.

I had the opportunity to develop a full digital marketing strategy for a real business during my MSc in Digital Marketing and Analytics in TUS Limerick, and I was lucky enough to do this with Kilkenny Design, who shortly after hired me onto their marketing team.

My campaign focused on creating a dynamic digital marketing strategy aimed at targeting 18–24 year-olds to KD, and it was incredibly rewarding to see that work recognised with my family, friends, and lecturers around me to celebrate the win.

Winning this award was more than the moment, it was a validation of all the late nights, endless cups of tea, and hours spent researching strategies, analysing data, and pushing creative boundaries. I’m so passionate about digital marketing, and to have that passion acknowledged at a national level is both humbling and exciting.

This win and the creation of NUA wouldn’t have been possible without:

• The support and guidance from my lecturers and classmates at TUS, whose expertise and encouragement helped me grow every step of the way.
• Everyone at Kilkenny Design, especially Ciara Moore who supported the campaign’s vision and trusted me to bring it to life.
• My friends and family, you’ve been the best encouragement since day one.

It’s crazy to think that just under two years ago I was standing on stage and as of February 2026, I’ve launched NUA Digital. What started as a master’s project has evolved into a creator-led agency. From student to founder in under two years and this is only the beginning.