'Really proud moment'- Young Longford woman a huge success after winning career award

A young Longford woman will be representing the country in a global PR competition after winning the prestigious 2026 Irish Young Lions competition.

Ciara Farrell (28), along with 14 others, will now go on to compete in the global Young Lions Competition, taking place this month.

Ciara is originally from Cloonrallagh, Co. Longford and she grew up and spent her whole childhood here.

“It's a place I'll always be very proud to call home. Even though I'm based in Dublin for work now, Longford is where my family and roots are, and I'll always consider it home.”

She currently works as an Account Manager with Harris PR, one of Ireland's leading communications agencies.

“I was recently promoted, which was a really proud moment for me and a lovely recognition of the work I've put in since joining the team.

“I love the creativity that comes with the job and the opportunity to work on campaigns that people genuinely engage with and talk about”.

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Ciara said that she is also incredibly lucky to work with such a talented and supportive team.

“I've learned so much from the people around me, and Sonia Harris Pope has built a fantastic culture at Harris PR where creativity is encouraged and young talent is really championed.

“Having that support and encouragement has played a huge role in my own development and is one of the reasons I enjoy what I do so much.”

Ciara said that what she loves the most about PR is that every day is different.

“One day you might be developing a campaign idea, the next you're organising an event, working with media or helping a client tell their story in a meaningful way.

“It's fast-paced and challenging, but it's incredibly rewarding too. I would definitely recommend PR to anyone who enjoys being creative, likes working with people and doesn't want a job where every day looks the same.”

Ciara won the The Irish Young Lions competition and said that it was “honestly a huge surprise and something I was absolutely thrilled about.”

“The standard was incredibly high, so to be chosen as the winners was a really special moment and one I'm very proud of. I never imagined when I was starting out in my career.”

Ciara said that representing Ireland on that stage is a huge honour, and getting the chance to compete alongside some of the best young talent in the industry is something she knows she’ll look back on as an incredible highlight of her career.

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“The competition itself is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and provides incredible exposure and opportunities to connect with industry leaders from across the globe, so whether we win or lose, the chance to attend the competition and wider festival is absolutely priceless.”

Winning in the global event next would also mean a lot for Ciara, especially to bring that success back to Harris PR and to Longford.

Harris PR Founder and Managing Director, Sonia Harris Pope MPRII, said: “From the minute Ciara first got in touch with me, I knew we had to find a role for her.

“Her natural charm, combined with her experience meant that she was an instant hit with the Harris herd, and clients alike.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen Ciara continue to grow and develop her skills and she has been instrumental in major launches, events and media relations, as well as pitching for new business.

“It’s a joy to see Ciara continue to blossom at Harris, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.”