Ireland awarded Gold in the Print category at the Cannes Young Lions competition, recognising creative excellence on a global stage
We are thrilled to announce that the Irish Young Lions 2026 contingent have secured Gold in the Print category. Hannah Murphy, Junior Art Director and Kate Dempsey, Junior Copywriter from TBWA\Ireland have made Ireland proud with their remarkable achievement.
Siobhán Masterson, CEO, Iapi, said “Iapi’s Young Lions programme plays a pivotal role in helping young industry professionals achieve their full potential. We are delighted to see our investment in nurturing talent delivering results on a global stage. This success reflects the renewed energy and strategic focus we’ve brought to the Young Lions programme, and it caps off an outstanding week for Irish business at the awards.”
The Young Lions is a competition within Cannes where teams of young professionals (aged 30 or under) are given a real client brief and 24 hours to create and present a campaign concept, showcasing their creative skills on an international stage. Each year, Iapi sends seven teams from our membership and competitors from all over the world take part.
Iapi extend massive thanks to the Irish Young Lions sponsors Smurfit Westrock. The support of our sponsors has played a vital role in opening doors for emerging talent to compete, and thrive, on the global stage.
Sineád Gill-Molony, Director, PR & Media Relations, Smurfit Westrock, said: “I am incredibly proud to congratulate our talented Irish Young Lions on competing in and winning at the 2026 Cannes Young Lions competition. To achieve this level of recognition on the global stage is a stellar achievement and a testament to their creativity, ambition, and hard work.
“I would also like to acknowledge the partnership of Iapi, whose support and commitment to developing emerging talent continues to create opportunities for Ireland’s next generation of creative leaders. This success reflects not only the exceptional abilities of these young people, but also the strength of the creative community that supports them. At Smurfit Westrock, we are firm believers in the need to champion excellence in design and innovation, so it has been a pleasure to see them all do so well this week in Cannes.”
Iapi congratulates all Irish Young Lions teams who represented Ireland this year. The standard across all categories was exceptionally high, showcasing an impressive level of talent, creativity, and commitment.
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, Iapi’s focus remains firmly on championing the next generation of creative leaders. The continued success of the Irish Young Lions reflects the energy, ambition, and ingenuity of Ireland’s creative community.
