Advertising Standards Authority releases latest Complaints Bulletin

  • 16 advertisements across Online, Social Media, Email and Radio advertising were found to be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code on grounds related to a range of issues including Recognisability, Misleading, Promotional Marketing, Children, Alcoholic Drinks and Decency and Propriety

 

The Advertising Standards Authority’s independent Complaints Council has released its latest Complaints Bulletin which contains 20 case reports on complaints recently investigated by the organisation.

 

16 of the 20 cases were upheld in full. Advertisements across Online, Social Media, Email and Radio were found to be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code on grounds related to Recognisability, Misleading, Promotional Marketing, Children, Alcoholic Drinks and Decency and Propriety. The Advertising Standards Authority chose not to uphold four complaints.

 

The Complaints Council is a completely independent arm of the Advertising Standards Authority and is responsible for considering and adjudicating on complaints submitted by the public, by an organisation, by a Government Department, or any other person or body. The Council is made up of a range of experts from the advertising, media, education, consumer, and marketing sectors. See further details here – https://adstandards.ie/about-us/

 

Commenting on the latest Advertising Standards Authority rulings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, stated: “The primary mission of the Advertising Standards Authority is to protect consumers from advertising that is harmful, offensive, or misleading. Our recent complaints bulletin emphasises our essential role in ensuring that advertising in Ireland is honest, decent, truthful, and compliant with the Code of Standards.

 

We are deeply committed to fostering accountability and compliance in the Irish advertising sector. This includes not only removing advertisements that are breach the Code, but also proactively educating both brands and consumers on advertising standards. By doing so, we aim to build and maintain trust in the advertising sector.

 

To assist advertisers, we offer a free and confidential copy advice service, guiding them in creating responsible and compliant advertisements. This service provides invaluable guidance for advertisers and agencies who may have questions or concerns about the compliance of their marketing communications. We encourage anyone in the industry to take advantage of this resource to ensure their advertising is both responsible and effective.”

 

Below is a list of 16 advertisements that have been found to be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code:

 

Advertiser Medium Complaint Category Description Complaint Status Section Breached Link
POCO  

Online (Influencer’s Social Media Account)

 

Recognisability/ Misleading  

Advertising published on the Influencer’s Instagram account as a story featured some of the products from their own beauty range. One image included the label ‘Own Brand’ and other images included the company tag.

 

The complainant did not consider that the story images had been identified correctly as advertising material as they did not include the primary identification label #AD.

 

Upheld 3.31, 3.32, 4.1 and 4.4 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/health-beauty-76/
 

The Self Improvement Project

 

 

Online (Influencer’s Social Media)

 

 

Recognisability/ Misleading

 

 

 

The advertisement appeared as stories on the influencer’s Instagram account where they promoted their own fitness programme.

 

The complainant considered the advertising to be misleading as neither of the stories featured a label disclosing that they were advertisements, and that the influencer’s own brand was being promoted.

 

 

 

Upheld

 

 

3.31, 3.32, 4.1 and 4.4

 

 

 

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/leisure-40/

 

Voduz Hair Online (Influencer’s Social Media) Recognisability/ Misleading  

A post appeared on the influencer’s Instagram story that featured the advertisers’ hair oil product ‘Voduz R’Oil’. Above the product, the advertisers’ Instagram handle was tagged in a small font alongside the text ‘BAAd’.

 

The complainant considered that the use of the text ‘BAAd’ in a small font did not make it immediately clear that the posts were advertisements.

 

Upheld 3.31, 3.32, 4.1 and 4.4 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/health-beauty-74/
Human Collective Online (Influencer’s Social Media Account) Recognisability/ Misleading  

The advertising on the influencer’s Instagram account featured her showcasing leisurewear

clothing for the Human Collective brand.

 

The complainant said the items had not included the label #Ad and they considered the advertising to be misleading as the influencer had not indicated their

relationship with the brand.

 

Upheld 3.31, 3.32, 4.1 and 4.4 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/clothing-13/
Superprof Online (Company Own Website) Misleading  

A website offering private tuition for students said:

“Your card is only fully debited if {Name of tutor} accepts your request. The first lesson is free.”

 

The complainant felt the advertising claim that a card would only be fully debited if the selected tutor accepted their request was misleading. They said that when the requested tutor was not available, unsolicited offers from five other tutors were received

and the payment card was debited.

 

Upheld 4.1 and 4.4 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/education-21/

 

Cresthaven Ltd. Online Brochure Misleading  

The advertisement appeared in a brochure accessible as a pdf online. It stated  “Over 20% of heat loss within the home occurs through old or outdated windows and doors, resulting in expensive home heating bills. .. by selecting Camden windows you could reduce your home heating bills by up to 40%.”

 

The complainant believed the advertisement was misleading due to the claim that over 20%

of heat loss in homes occurs through doors and windows. They believed that this figure was exaggerated and therefore the claim that a customer could reduce their hearing bills by 40% was misleading.

 

Upheld 4.1, 4.4, 4.9 and 4.10 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-38/
 

Vibes&Scribes

 

Email

 

Misleading

 

The advertisement was a promotional email from Vibes & Scribes. The title of the email was: “Win our Wool of the Month Giveaway”.

The email included the following wording:

“Wool of the Month

Part of the signature Cygnet range, Cygnet Aran is available in an array of beautiful shades, perfect for quick kid’s knits, ladies’ knitwear and men’s jumpers.”

 

The complainant considered the statement in the email advertising “Wool of the Month” as misleading as it was often used to describe products (such as the Cygnet Aran in the complained about advertising which is an acrylic yarn) that were not wool but synthetic yarn.

 

 

Upheld

 

4.1, 4.4, 4.9 and 4.10

 

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/leisure-38/

Airport Driving School Radio Misleading  

The radio advertisement was for potential employment with the advertiser and the courses on offer with the school. It began with: –

“We have a fantastic opportunity to change the direction of your career”.

 

The advertisement also stated: – “We need trainee driving instructors for cars, trucks and buses. Full training is provided at a reduced rate, with a finance option available. If driving is your passion, then join our

exceptional team and have a career with ultimate job satisfaction.”

 

The complainant considered the advertisement misleading as they believed it gave the impression it was a recruitment campaign while they considered it

was actually a promotion for purchase of driving lessons.

 

Upheld 3.31, 4.01, 4.04, 4.09 and 4.10 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/education-19/
Irish Buckfast Print and Online (Advertiser’s own website) Safety / Misleading / Children  

Print Advertisement:

A magazine advertisement featured an image of a child pointing to bees on a beehive, while another image featured bees in the palm of a hand. Both people featured were not wearing protective clothing. The advertisement included the following statements:

Our high quality Buckfast Queens are Bred and selected by our Buckfast Breeding Group” and “Our queens offer more honey per colony. Much better disease & parasite resistance.

 

Online Advertisement

The ‘Aims & Standards’ page of the advertiser’s website featured an image of a man with a mass of bees in his hand and bees on his bare stomach and shoulder.

 

Issue 1

The complainant believed that the claims that ‘Buckfast queens offer more honey per

colony’; that they had ‘better disease and parasite resistance than other breeds’, and the

more general claim that Buckfast bees offered “simpler and better Irish beekeeping” as misleading.

 

Issue 2

The complainant believed that the illustrative pictures used in the advertisements were irresponsible as they suggested that bees could be handled without safety equipment.

 

Issues 1 and 2

Upheld

Issue 1:

4.1, 4.4, 4.9, 4.10 and 4.33

 

Issue 2:

3.24 (a) and 7.4 (c)

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/agriculture-3/
Ogel Beds Online Misleading / Price  

The advertisement was a listing on the advertiser’s own website for a ‘Carter Bunk Bed Pack’. The description of the bunk bed said, “Carter is a beautifully designed classic panel bunk bed with Seomra Mattresses”.

 

The complainant considered the advertisement misleading as it implied that the price of the bunk beds included mattresses. After purchasing the beds, the complainant was asked if they wished to add mattresses to their order, and upon querying the matter, they were told it was a “typo”.

 

Upheld 4.1, 4.4 and 4.22 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-41/
 

MyVehicle.ie

 

Online (Company Own Website) and Third-Party Website

 

Misleading / Promotional Marketing

 

The sponsored advertisement for Myvehicle.ie on a third-party website referred to the following: “Free VRT AND Nox Calculator”

 

The complainant said that upon viewing the sponsored advertisement on the third-party website and clicking through to the advertisers’ own website, there was no way of availing of the ‘free’ service advertised without paying €7.50.

 

 

Upheld

 

4.1, 4.4, 4.9, 4.10 and 5.22

 

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/motoring-58/

Beautysavers.ie Online (Company’s Own Website) Misleading / Price  

A sponsored advertisement on Instagram said:

“Save €42 at beauty savers!”

 

The complainant considered the advertisement to be misleading as it

stated you were saving €42, however, upon clicking on the ‘Shop Now’ button, the product

was listed as €42 with an €18 saving from the RRP price of €60.

 

Upheld 4.01, 4.04 and 4.05 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/health-beauty-75/
 

Richmond Marketing

 

Online (Advertisers’ Socia Media)

 

Principles / Alcoholic Drinks

 

The advertising was seen on the advertisers’ Instagram and consisted of three posts.

 

Post 1:

Onscreen text stated, “when somebody asks who wants to go

get a Four Loko Pink Melon?”. Beneath this, a baby in a nappy was depicted with their hand raised.

 

Post 3:

Onscreen text said, “How I sleep knowing I get to drink Four Loko all weekend”. Beneath this was a photograph of Squidward from ‘Spongebob Squarepants’ in bed asleep with a teddy bear.

 

Issue 1:

The complainant considered it inappropriate to use images depicting children and a cartoon character to promote alcohol.

 

Issue 2:

The complainant considered that the text in the third image, “How I sleep knowing I get to drink Four Loko all weekend”, encouraged irresponsible drinking.

 

 

Issues 1 and 2

Upheld

 

Issue 1: 9.07 (a), (b) and (d)

 

Issue 2: 3.03, 9.1 and 9.8a

 

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/alcohol-40//

MJ Roofing and More Online (Advertisers’ Own Website) Decency and Propriety  

The advertisement on the homepage of the advertisers’ own website featured an image of a woman dressed in a shirt which was tied at the front to replicate a crop top.

 

The woman was also wearing mini shorts with a tool belt around her waist, a hardhat on her head and a spirit level on her shoulder.

 

The complaint considered that the advertisement in question featured an image of a woman

dressed in attire that was overtly sexualized.

 

Upheld 3.20 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-39/
Tonybet Radio Gambling  

The advertisement was heard on national radio and promoted the advertisers’ new gambling service.

 

The complainant considered that the advertisement breached section 10.10 of the Code as it did not direct people to a source of information about gambling and gambling responsibly.

 

Upheld 10.10 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/leisure-39/
Ashfield College Online (Social Media) Misleading / Comparisons  

The advertisement appeared as a sponsored post on Facebook and stated “Imagine Having Teachers This Good Every Day – Only At Ashfield College”.

 

The complainant considered that the advertisement implied that teachers in

other educational institutions were inferior in some way. They said this claim was misleading.

 

Upheld 4.01, 4.04, 4.09, 4.10, 4.31, 4.32 and 4.33 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/education-20/

 

Four complaints were not upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority

 

Advertiser Medium Complaint Category Description Complaint Status Section Breached Link
Colour Wow Online (Social Media) Misleading / Health and Beauty  

A paid partnership between Colour Wow and the influencer on Instagram showed the

influencer describing Colour Wow’s Money Mist leave-in conditioner spray. The influencer stated that the product was “The perfect mist for my fine hair!”

 

The complainant considered the advertisement to be misleading on the grounds that the

influencer was promoting a hair product, stating it was good for her fine hair, without disclosing that she had hair extensions.

 

Not Upheld N/A https://adstandards.ie/complaint/health-beauty-73/

 

The Irish Horseboard Co-Operative Society Advertisers’ Own Website Misleading  

The advertisement was seen on the advertisers’ own website and invited people to become

a member of their organisation. One of the reasons listed for joining was a letter of support from them for access to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme

(ACRES).

 

The complainant considered the advertisement misleading as they said that only breed

societies were eligible to provide such letters of support for the DAFM ACRES.

 

Not Upheld N/A  

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/miscellaneous-7/

Phone Watch Radio / YouTube Advertisement Decency and Propriety  

Both a radio advertisement and YouTube advertisement

featured a teacher or instructor character holding a ‘burglar bootcamp’. They were instructing a group on how to effectively burgle houses. A second voiceover stated “Get the alarm that burglars fear the most”.

 

Two complaints were received.

 

The complainant against the radio advertisement

considered that the accent of the burglar character was offensive as it equated a North

Dublin / working class Dublin accent with criminality and perpetuated stereotypes against people with certain accents.

 

The complaint against the YouTube advertisement claimed that the content of the

advertisement was an example of ‘accentism’.

 

Not Upheld N/A https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-40/
Boylesports Online (Company Website) Misleading / Promotional Marketing  

An online advertisement for a promotion at the Cheltenham Festival stated “Cheltenham Festival. NON-RUNNER NO BET. All Championship Races”

The footnote at the bottom stated

“Applies to all Antepost bets placed on any Championship race at the 2024 Cheltenham

Festival”. 

 

The complainant placed a bet on a Cheltenham race called the ‘Champion Bumper’ and

when their horse did not run, they tried to avail of the refund as per the advertisement but

were advised that the race they bet on was not a championship bet. As the advertisement

had stated “all championship races”, and the race they placed the bet on was called the ‘Champion Bumper’, they considered the advertisement was misleading.

 

Not Upheld N/A https://adstandards.ie/complaint/leisure-41/

 

 

The Advertising Standards Authority conducts ongoing monitoring of advertising across all media and since 2007, has examined over 27,000 advertisements, with an overall compliance rate of 98 percent. The Advertising Standards Authority Monitoring Service monitors compliance with the Complaints Council’s adjudications.

 

Media are reminded that advertisements found to be in breach of the Code cannot be accepted for publication.

 

Visit adstandards.ie to learn more

 

To keep up to date on Advertising Standards Authority activity, follow the organisation on:

 

X                      @AdStandardsIRE

Instagram        @adstandardsireland

LinkedIn          @Ad-Standards-Ireland

Kathryn Thomas joins Dublin’s Q102 as Presenter of the new breakfast show

  • ‘The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas on Dublin’s Q102′ will air each weekday morning from 7am to 10am

 

  • The new show will air in the New Year and will be followed by The Ryan Tubridy Show from 10am to 1pm 

 

December 19th 2024

 

Dublin’s Q102 is today announcing that broadcaster Kathryn Thomas is joining the weekday line up at the radio station in the New Year.

 

Kathryn is one of Ireland’s best known and well-loved broadcasters, hosting hugely popular TV shows for RTÉ such as ‘No Place Like Home’ ‘My Body Fix’, ‘Operation Transformation’ and ‘The Voice of Ireland’. Kathryn currently co-hosts ‘The Rose of Tralee’ and, of course, began her journey as a globe-trotter and adventure lover on the much loved TV series ‘No Frontiers’. She also has a wealth of radio presenting experience, having worked on RTÉ Radio 1 over the years. More recently, Kathryn combined her passion for travel and well-being to set up her own business Pure Results, where she runs fitness and wellness retreats in Ireland and abroad.

 

A successful business woman, Kathryn lives in Dublin with her husband and two daughters, and from February she will wake Dublin up with ‘The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas on Dublin’s Q102’, airing each weekday from 7am to 10am.

 

Broadcasting from Q102’s brand new visualised studios in Dublin, Kathryn will helm breakfast on Dublin’s feel good station, handing over to The Ryan Tubridy Show with Hyundai from 10 am to 1pm, followed by Feel Good Afternoons with Liam Coburn from 1pm to 6.30pm.

 

Speaking about her new breakfast show, Kathryn said: “I’ve wanted my own radio show for such a long time but it was really about finding the right fit. Dublin’s Q102 is relaunching with a new vision and I loved the idea of brightening up people’s mornings, being curious and caring about issues that matter for Dubliners. I’ve been living in Dublin for the last 25 years and it’s most definitely the place I love to be. It’s my home, where my kids were born and the city I love most in the world. 

 

“I’m not a newbie to radio having done loads of radio work for RTÉ, but having the opportunity to put my own stamp and style on a show is definitely the next exciting step for me. The people I have met so far in Q102 have already made me feel very welcome. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter and absolutely delighted to be working alongside Ryan again, but what I’m most excited about is having the opportunity to wake Dublin up with great chat, banter and tunes every morning!”

 

Vivienne Nagle, Managing Director of Dublin’s Q102, said: “As a business, we’re thrilled to announce that the new home for Kathryn is on Dublin’s Q102. The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas on Dublin’s Q102 is going to be a bright place to be and a bright listen and watch, both on air and across all our platforms. Her naturally lively and engaging personality and her experience of listener and audience engagement speaks for itself. She’s a natural communicator.

 

“Kathryn’s show will begin airing in February and will be part of a relaunch for Dublin’s Q102 which will also include a new logo, a new strategic vision and new brand values – always being curious, social and bright. Once we had set out our strategy, Kathryn was the obvious choice for breakfast and she will work hand in glove with Ryan who follows her show at 10am. Liam Coburn, a long standing Q102 presenter, will follow with ‘Feel Good Afternoon’s’ as well as other familiar Q102 presenters like Martin King at the weekend. Dublin’s Q102 – Brighten Your Day!” 

 

The new schedule for Dublin’s Q102 launching in February 2025 is:

 

  • 7am – 10am                              The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas
  • 10am – 1pm                              The Ryan Tubridy Show sponsored by Hyundai
  • 1pm – 6.30pm                           Feel Good Afternoons with Liam Coburn sponsored by

Mooney’s Hyundai

  • 6.30pm – 7pm                           Dublin Today – All the news you need to know with Elizabeth

Hearst

  • 7pm – 12am                              Feel Good Evenings

 

Dublin’s Q102 is part of the Wireless Ireland group, which is home to a number of Ireland’s best-loved radio stations: Dublin’s FM104 and Q102, Cork’s 96fm and C103, Live 95 in Limerick, LMFM and U105 in Belfast. Wireless Ireland is part of News Broadcasting, home of Virgin Radio UK, the talkSPORT network, Times Radio, Talk and Piers Morgan Uncensored in the UK. News Broadcasting is part of News UK & Ireland, which also publishes the award-winning titles The Sunday Times, TheSundayTimes.ie, The Irish Sun and TheSun.ie.

Get ready! Christmas FM’s annual ‘Donation Day’ takes place TOMORROW to raise funds for ‘The Magic of Christmas’ appeal

  • The Magic of Christmas Appeal raises funds for charity partners Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a range of children’s charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities
  • Christmas FM is asking you to help Give the Gift of Childhood to children who need it most this Donation Day

 

Christmas FM, the beloved radio station that raises funds for charity and Switches Christmas On across Ireland every year, will be running its annual Donation Day tomorrow to raise funds for The Magic of Christmas Appeal, a not-for-profit fundraising initiative that raises funds for Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a range of children’s charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities through Community Foundation Ireland.

 

On Thursday, 19th December, join Christmas FM for a 12 hour long festive radiothon from 7am – 7pm, jam packed with Christmas hits and seasonal goodwill! This Donation Day, Christmas FM is asking listeners to help Give the Gift of Childhood to children who need it most, because every child deserves Magic at Christmas. Donations can be made through www.christmasfm.com or by calling 0818 911 977

 

The Magic of Christmas was launched in 2022, with the aim of raising €1,000,000 over a three-year period for the charities. The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal raised almost €325,000 last year for the charities, with donations raised between 2022 and 2023 totalling €618,706 overall.

Here’s an example of what a listener’s donation can do:

 

  • €50 will provide one hour of vital medical care in the ‘Med Shed’ for a child who is sick at Barretstown
  • €100 could help a child be warm again by providing a ‘Winter Warmer’ pack with a waterproof coat, hat, gloves and scarf
  • €200 can help towards the granting of a wish for a seriously-ill child in your community, to make a lasting difference to their quality of life and well-being

The funds raised will go directly towards helping vulnerable children in our communities affected by traumatic life events such as poverty, abuse, neglect and bereavement, and to supporting children whose lives are affected by serious childhood illness. So by donating to The Magic of Christmas this Donation Day, you will….

Give the Gift of Childhood to 5,000 children who need it most, because every 

child deserves Magic at Christmas.

 

Paul Shepherd, Co-Founder of Christmas FM, says: This year marks our 17th year Switching Christmas On across Ireland. Since our launch in 2008, we’ve raised over €3.5 million for various charities nationwide – which is a huge milestone for us. With the incredible support of our listeners and fans, we’re committed to continuing this tradition of giving. While we’ve been fundraising throughout the festive season and will carry on while we’re on FM, Donation Day is especially important. It’s our chance to maximise support for The Magic of Christmas Appeal and we’re calling on everyone to tune in, donate, and join us in making a difference!”

 

Commenting on Donation Day, the charity partners jointly said: “We are delighted to be working with The Magic of Christmas Appeal for the third consecutive year. Last year’s incredible support made a profound difference to children across Ireland, and we’re very much looking forward to Donation Day on Thursday, 19th December. We hope Christmas FM listeners and fans will join us by donating whatever they can to help transform the lives of children in communities across Ireland. With the generosity of listeners, we can Give the Gift of Childhood to those who need it most, because every child really does deserve magic at Christmas.”

 

Christmas FM is presented on air each year by a team of volunteers who devote hundreds of hours of their time assisted by a core management team. Meanwhile, the costs of running the station are covered by various sponsors, ensuring listener donations go directly to the fundraising initiative. This year the station’s premier FM sponsors are Coca Cola, An Post and Cadbury.

Christmas FM is broadcasting from The Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley who have kindly donated their studio space again this year.

The main FM radio frequencies for Christmas FM are:

  • Cavan   92.8 FM
  • Clare 105.2 FM
  • Cork City, Part County   106.7 FM
  • Cork North, Part County 87.7 FM
  • Drogheda & Dundalk 104.2 FM
  • Dublin City & County 105.2 FM
  • Galway City 87.9 FM
  • Kildare North 88.1 FM
  • Kilkenny City 104.3 FM
  • Letterkenny 106.2 FM
  • Limerick City 105.5 FM
  • Longford 99.8 FM
  • Sligo Town 95.0 FM
  • South East 103.8 FM
  • Tralee/Killarney 105.0 FM
  • Waterford City   105.9 FM
  • Wicklow – Bray area 99.5 FM
  • Wicklow – Wicklow Town 106.6 FM

 

Christmas FM is also available on the Christmas FM app, smart speakers, Virgin Media

Channel 900 and eir TV

 

Find out all the ways to listen at https://christmasfm.com/listenin/

 

You can follow the station on social at:

@christmasfm

Christmas FM – Bringing You the Magic of Christmas

themagicofchristmas.ie

You can follow The Magic of Christmas on social at:

@supportthemagic

‘Merry Jolly Christmas’ by Siobhán McAleese featuring The Magic of Christmas Kids wins the SPAR Christmas FM Song Contest 2024 as voted by Christmas FM listeners!

‘Merry Jolly Christmas’ by Siobhán McAleese featuring The Magic of Christmas Kids has been crowned the winner of the SPAR Christmas FM Song Contest 2024 – the winner was announced at a live outside broadcast this morning at SPAR, Dame Street, Dublin 2. Ireland’s favourite festive radio station, which officially ‘Switches Christmas On’ across the nation every year, attracts hundreds of entries annually in its search to find Ireland’s next Christmas hit. The winning song will spread festive joy through the airwaves as it broadcasts to Christmas FM’s Irish and international fans alongside familiar Christmas favourites like Wham!, Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey.

‘Merry Jolly Christmas’ featuring The Magic of Christmas Kids was written by Siobhán McAleese who lives in Trim, Co Meath. It’s a playful festive song for kids (and adults!) to enjoy at Christmas. The catchy chorus was inspired by Siobhán’s two children – and the stars of the song are The Magic of Christmas Kids – Maisie, Dylan, Isla, Hattie, Hugo, Doireann and Fiadh.

Speaking about their song, Siobhán McAleese said: “I’ve listened to Christmas FM for as long as I can remember and having studied music it’s always been a dream of mine to write a Christmas song. ‘Merry Jolly Christmas’ is inspired by my two children Maisie and Dylan. We wanted to share with the Christmas FM listeners the joy and happiness that Christmas represents through the lyrics and feelgood melody. The kids and I are so thrilled that Christmas FM listeners voted for it as their winning song. I’m so proud of the children and their families and want to thank them for their support. The song was produced by Martin Quinn of JAM Studios in my local area of Kells, Co Meath – big thanks to him.”

 

You can listen to ‘Merry Jolly Christmas’ by Siobhán McAleese featuring The Magic of Christmas Kids, as well as the runners-up, at                      

https://christmasfm.com/songcontest/

Walter Hegarty, Co-founder of Christmas FM, said: “Ireland is rich with musical talent, and each year, the entries for the Christmas FM Song Contest continue to astound us. We’re thrilled to announce ‘Merry Jolly Christmas’ by Siobhán McAleese featuring The Magic of Christmas Kids as this year’s winner. It’s a great Christmas song that perfectly embodies the spirit of the festive season. Supporting Irish talent is essential, and this song is the perfect way to ‘Switch Christmas On’ nationwide. We can’t wait for our listeners to hear it on Christmas FM.’

Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director, said: “Christmas is a very special time of the year for SPAR, a time we really love ‘Under the Tree’! I want to congratulate Siobhán McAleese on winning the SPAR Christmas FM Song Contest and wish her every success in her future career. Our retailers support their communities through the year and this sponsorship is another way of highlighting their commitment. Well done, again, to Siobhán.”

Christmas FM, which is celebrating its 17th year on air this year, has raised over three million euro for a range of charities since it began broadcasting. Christmas FM is continuing with the hugely successful Magic of Christmas Appeal – raising money for three of Ireland’s leading children’s charities – Barnardos, Barretstown, and Make-A-Wish Ireland, along with a range of children’s charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities through Community Foundation Ireland. The Magic of Christmas was launched in 2022, with the aim of raising €1,000,000 over a three-year period for the charities. The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal raised almost €325,000 last year for the charities, with donations raised between 2022 and 2023 totalling €618,706 overall.

So, by donating to The Magic of Christmas, you will….

Give the Gift of Childhood to those who need it most, because every 

child deserves Magic at Christmas.

The station is presented on air each year by up to 100 volunteers who devote hundreds of hours of their time assisted by a core management team. Meanwhile, the costs of running Christmas FM are covered by various sponsors, ensuring listener donations go directly to the fundraising initiative. This year, the station’s premier FM sponsors are Coca Cola, An Post and Cadbury.

Christmas FM is broadcasting from The Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley who have kindly donated their studio space again this year.

 

Christmas FM is available online at:

www.christmasfm.com

You can follow the station on social at:

@christmasfm

Christmas FM – Bringing You the Magic of Christmas

Six titles in the running for prestigious overall ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year Award’ 2024

  • Books by Donal Ryan, Eilish Fisher and illustrator Dermot Flynn, Graham Norton, Jane Casey, Johnny Sexton and Seán Ronayne nominated for significant accolade

 

  • Winner will be revealed during one-hour television special on RTÉ One presented by Oliver Callan on Thursday, 19th December

 

 

Books by Donal Ryan, Eilish Fisher and illustrator Dermot Flynn, Graham Norton, Jane Casey, Johnny Sexton and Seán Ronayne are in the running for the accolade of ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024’.

The six titles competing for the overall An Post Irish Book of the Year Award were drawn from the category winners at the An Post Irish Book Awards, and were chosen on the principle of the highest number of votes secured during the shortlist voting process across all categories.

The six nominated titles are category winners of the Eason Novel of the Year, the Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year (Senior), the Ireland AM Popular Fiction Book of the Year, the Irish Independent Crime Fiction Book of the Year, the Eason Sports Book of the Year and the Dubray Biography of the Year:

Heart, Be at Peace – Donal Ryan (Doubleday, Penguin Random House)

  • In Heart, Be at Peace, which can be read independently, Donal picks up the twenty-one voices from The Spinning Heart ten years on, in 2019. Small-town Ireland has rebounded from the economic crash, with work restored and past struggles seemingly behind. However, beneath the surface, old and new grudges are simmering, and a new threat is quietly emerging. As young people are lured by the allure of quick money, the older generation battles an intangible enemy, setting the stage for a community on the brink of turmoil.

 

Fia and the Last Snow Deer – Eilish Fisher, illustrated by Dermot Flynn (Puffin, Penguin Random House Children’s

  • Fia and the Last Snow Deer is described as a powerful and beautiful debut verse novel set in snowy pre-historic Ireland, brought to life with stunning illustrations from Dermot Flynn. Fia and her snow deer, Solas, share a deep bond, but their village, trapped in an eternal winter, believes Solas is key to fulfilling a prophecy that demands a devastating sacrifice to restore sunlight. Refusing to allow the worst to happen, Fia and her cousin Mish, alongside Solas, flee into the wilderness to seek the mythical Deer Mother, who holds the power to awaken the sun. Facing harsh landscapes and lurking dangers, the pair must navigate risky choices that will determine the fate of their village and their beloved companion.

 

Frankie – Graham Norton (Coronet)

  • Frankie is described as a dazzling, richly woven story by Graham Norton, spanning decades and continents. It follows Frankie Powell, a woman who has spent her life on the edges, observing but never leading. From conservative 1940s Ireland to the vibrant art scene of 1960s New York and back to her modest London flat, Frankie’s life unfolds in fragments shared with her young Irish carer, Damian. Through her memories of ambitious artists, aspiring writers, and captivating personalities, we see how her quiet presence shaped events in ways she never anticipated. A poignant exploration of identity, missed opportunities, and the unexpected paths life takes, the novel reveals that even lives lived on the periphery can hold deep meaning and unexpected influence.

 

A Stranger in the Family – Jane Casey (Hemlock Press)

  • A Stranger in the Family is the eleventh book in the bestselling detective series featuring DS Maeve Kerrigan. Sixteen years after nine-year-old Rosalie Marshall disappeared, her mother, Helena, is found dead alongside her husband. However, DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent quickly uncover layers of secrets within the Marshall family. As they delve deeper, they realize someone is willing to kill to keep the truth buried. Maeve must unravel the mystery of Rosalie’s disappearance to prevent further danger and finally uncover the chilling truth.

 

Obsessed: The Autobiography – Johnny Sexton with Peter O’Reilly (Penguin Sandycove)

  • Johnny Sexton’s autobiography recounts his journey from being an overlooked rugby player at 24 to becoming Ireland’s most accomplished and inspiring sportsperson. Chronicling his career highs – four European Cups, four Six Nations titles (including two Grand Slams), historic wins in the Southern Hemisphere, and the World Player of the Year award – Sexton reflects on how he helped transform Leinster and Ireland to rugby powerhouses. With honesty and insight, he shares stories of his childhood, pivotal relationships with teammates and coaches, and his thoughts on the game that defined his extraordinary career.

 

Nature Boy: A Journey of Birdsong and Belonging – Seán Ronayne (Hachette Books Ireland)

  • Nature Boy is Seán Ronayne’s inspiring memoir of self-discovery, passion, and the healing power of nature. Growing up in Cork, Seán found solace in the woods, learning to identify birds and plants with his father and grandfather. Despite being labelled “Nature Boy” by peers, his love for ornithology blossomed into a career. At 32, Seán discovered he was autistic, a revelation that brought clarity to his life and underscored his unique connection to the natural world. In 2021, he embarked on an ambitious journey to sound-record all of Ireland’s regularly occurring bird species, showcasing both the beauty of birds and the urgent need to protect their habitats. Nature Boy celebrates individuality, belonging, and the wonder of the natural world.

 

Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards says:

“Six incredible titles are in the running for the prestigious An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024. Celebrating the very best of Irish writing, these books highlight the diversity and talent that define Ireland’s incredible literary landscape. From captivating fiction and compelling memories, to crime and a beautifully illustrated children’s book, this year’s top six books reflect the remarkable range of voices and stories that have captured the heart and imagination of Irish readers this year. I would like to congratulate all the nominees on their success and wish them the very best of luck.”

The overall ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024’ winner will now be decided by a distinguished panel of judges, chaired by an Irish Book Awards board member.

 

The judging panel consists of:

  • Maria Dickenson, Judging Chair – General Manager of Dubray and Board Member of the An Post Irish Book Awards

 

  • Madeleine Keane – Literary Editor of the Sunday Independent, lecturer at University College Dublin, and Chair of Children’s Books Ireland

 

  • Cyril McGrane – A certified public accountant by profession, Cyril has worked with An Post for the last 27 years, holding a succession of senior roles in retail, operational and logistics management. Cyril is An Post’s key liaison lead with IPC and UPU and he is leading An Post’s Customs 2020 and Brexit programmes

 

  • Elaina Ryan – CEO of Children’s Books Ireland and Co-Artistic Director of Tower and Tales Children’s Books Festival in Co. Wexford

 

  • Alex Clark – A critic, journalist and broadcaster, Alex is patron of the Cambridge Literary Festival and has judged many literary awards, including the Booker Prize

 

 

One of the six titles will be revealed as the ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024’ during a one-hour television special on RTÉ One hosted by Oliver Callan on Thursday, 19th December at 10:15pm.

Since its inception, the An Post Irish Book of the Year Award has been won by a series of landmark titles which have gone on to become Christmas bestsellers and firm favourites with readers.

Previous winners of the An Post Irish Book of the Year Award include Paul Murray for The Bee Sting, Sally Hayden for My Fourth Time, We Drowned, Fintan O’Toole for We Don’t Know Ourselves, Doireann Ní Ghríofa for A Ghost in the Throat, the late Vicky Phelan for Overcoming, Emilie Pine for Notes to Self, John Crowley, Donal Ó Drisceoil, Mike Murphy and John Borgonovo for Atlas of the Irish Revolution, Mike McCormack for Solar Bones, Louise O’Neill for Asking For It, Mary Costello for Academy St, Donal Ryan for The Spinning Heart, Michael Harding for Staring at Lakes, and Belinda McKeon for Solace.

 

Tune into RTÉ One at 10:15pm on Thursday 19th December to find out who wins the

An Post Irish Book of the Year Award 2024

Over 53,000 children’s names feature on The Sunday Times Extra Nice List compiled by Santa Claus himself!

  • 53,436 unique names were submitted to Santa Claus for the Extra Nice List – equal to 4.26% of the population of children in Ireland

 

  • Due to unprecedented demand there will be three instalments listed by surname: A-G on 8th December, H-M on 15th December and N–Z on 22nd December

 

 

 

The Sunday Times is excited to announce that Santa is hard at work compiling his beloved Extra Nice List for 2024 which includes a remarkable 53,436 names – recognising special children who have been exceptionally kind this year.

 

Returning to The Sunday Times for its third consecutive year, Santa’s Extra Nice List will be published in print over three Sundays with names listed by surname. A-G on December 8th, H-M on December 15th, and N-Z on December 22nd.

 

Sponsored by Sellotape, the brand that helps you wrap a little happiness at Christmas, the full Extra Nice List will be available on thesundaytimes.ie on Sunday 8th December. So you’d better watch out and make sure to view online at www.thesundaytimes.ie for Santa’s approved list!

 

Róisín Healy, Deputy Features Editor of Sunday Times Ireland, says: “We are delighted to be running the Extra Nice List for the third consecutive year. Working closely with Santa is an important job, but it’s always heartwarming to see the joy the Extra Nice List brings to families. We are looking forward to seeing the full list of boys and girls that have been very good this year!

 

Advertising Standards Authority signs agreement with Coimisiún na Meán to cooperate on matters of common interest relating to advertising and commercial marketing communication

The Advertising Standards Authority, the independent advertising self-regulatory body responsible for promoting, regulating and enforcing the highest standards of marketing communications in Ireland, has signed an agreement with Coimisiún na Meán to establish a framework of cooperation between both organisations in matters of common interest relating to advertising and commercial marketing communication.

 

The cooperation agreement aims to enhance oversight and enforcement of standards in the ever-evolving advertising and media landscape, including online platforms and social media.

 

The partnership between both organisations further positions the Advertising Standards Authority as a leader in the advertising landscape, and both organisations will meet and engage regularly to discuss key trends , focusing on a range of matters of common interest, including:

 

  • Promoting awareness of, and supporting compliance with, relevant regulatory requirements relating to advertisements and commercial marketing communications
  • Protecting the interests of the recipients of advertisements and commercial marketing communications by seeking to ensure that those advertisements and communications are legal, decent, honest and truthful
  • Seeking to ensure that children and at-risk individuals do not see advertising and commercial marketing communications that may be harmful and that consumers can have confidence in advertising and other forms of commercial marketing communication

This agreement also states that the Advertising Standards Authority and Coimisiún na Meán are committed to the following principles of cooperation:

 

  • Providing an effective complaints process to recipients of advertisements or commercial marketing communications who wish to make valid complaints
  • Promoting high standards among media services, online platforms and advertising bodies in adhering to provisions of Irish and European law applying to the matters of common interest
  • Promulgating effective and robust regulatory codes and rules
  • Protecting children and other at-risk individuals from advertisements or commercial marketing communications that would be harmful
  • Promoting active dialogue and exchanges on the matters of common interest
  • Exploration of potential avenues of joint research activity to further understanding of trends in the regulatory landscape
  • Maintaining their respective independent regulatory roles and functions

The Advertising Standards Authority has collaborated effectively with Coimisiún na Meán on a number of Irish and European projects.

 

These include participation on ASA’s Independent Complaints Committee; engagement on the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022; and the EU Audio Visual Media Services Directive, which encourages EU Member States to recognise the role that effective co-regulation and self-regulation can play as complementary policy instruments to the legislative, judicial, and administrative mechanisms in place.

 

Commenting on the agreement, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, says:

“This partnership is a significant milestone in our mission to ensure that advertising across all platforms is legal, decent, honest, and truthful. By working closely with Coimisiún na Meán, we can further address challenges posed by digital advertising and protect Irish consumers, building a safer and more transparent media environment and foster trust in advertising for all. Together, we will strengthen regulatory framework that underpins advertising and media practices in Ireland, promoting high standards among digital services, online platforms and advertising bodies.”

 

Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting and Video On-Demand Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, says:

“It’s important for us to have a media landscape that consumers can trust and where they are protected from exploitation and fraud. We look forward to continuing to work together with the ASA to ensure that standards for advertising and commercial marketing work for the benefit of consumers, and in particular protect children from potentially harmful advertising content.

 

ICAD UPSTARTS Exhibition takes place at Core

The UPSTARTS programme, an inspiring collaboration between ICAD and several agencies and studios, concluded with a showcase event facilitated by the programme’s lead partner, Core, at 1WML.

 

This initiative, designed to nurture and promote Ireland’s next generation of creative talent in advertising and design, highlighted the outstanding work of 22 participants from the programme.

 

Over the past months, these emerging talents have collaborated closely with Ireland’s top creative professionals, gaining invaluable insights and honing their craft. The showcase provided them with a platform to present their innovative projects to leading figures in the advertising industry, including some of Ireland’s most renowned creative directors.

 

With 97% of agencies and studios saying UPSTARTS is a good place to look for new talent, the event provided for plenty of chats and networking.

 

The event opened with addresses from Rob Potts Executive Creative Director at Core,  Bairbre McGlade ICAD Director and Executive Board Member and Neil Rooney, Executive Director at ICAD, who praised the participants for their dedication, creativity, and contributions to Ireland’s growing creative economy.  

 

The evening also fostered networking opportunities, enabling participants to share experiences, connect with mentors, and explore future collaborations.

 

“This program is a testament to the incredible talent and diversity Ireland has to offer. It reflects our commitment to creating a platform where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and innovate. It’s an investment in the future of creativity and inclusivity within our industry. Knowing that the next generation of talent, with their unique perspectives and voices, took their first creative steps in the industry here at Windmill Lane is a great feeling,” said Rob Potts, emphasising the essential role of mentorship, equity, and opportunities in shaping the creative leaders of tomorrow.

 

Neil Rooney added:
“For over 25 years ICAD’s Upstarts programme has been fostering and empowering emerging creative talent. This year’s cohort are exceptionally talented, and I’m excited to see how they’ll shape the industry over the coming years.”

 

The ICAD UPSTARTS programme is also supported by TBWA, BBH Dublin and The Mix.

 

Advertising Standards Authority releases latest Complaints Bulletin

  • 14 advertisements across Online, Social Media, Television and In-Store advertising were found to be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code on grounds related to a range of issues including Misleading, Health and Beauty, Safety and Children

 The Advertising Standards Authority’s independent Complaints Committee has released its latest Complaints Bulletin, which contains 18 case reports on complaints recently investigated by the organisation.

13 of the 18 cases were upheld in full and one case was upheld in part. Advertisements across Online, Social Media, Television and In-Store advertising were found to be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code on grounds related to Misleading, Health and Beauty, Safety and Children. The Advertising Standards Authority chose not to uphold four complaints, one of which was an Intra-industry / Interested Party complaint.

 The Complaints Committee is a completely independent arm of the Advertising Standards Authority and is responsible for considering and adjudicating on complaints submitted by the public, by an organisation, by a Government Department, or any other person or body. The Committee is made up of a range of experts from the advertising, media, education, consumer, and marketing sectors. See further details here – https://adstandards.ie/about-us/

Commenting on the latest Advertising Standards Authority rulings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, stated:

 “The Advertising Standards Authority’s primary role is to safeguard consumers from harmful, offensive, or misleading advertising. The most recent complaints bulletin underscores our crucial position within the Irish advertising industry, ensuring that marketing communications are legal, truthful, decent and honest for consumers.

 We remain committed to promoting responsibility and compliance within the Irish advertising industry, removing ads that violate the Code, and educating both consumers and brands about advertising standards – ultimately building trust in advertising for all.

 We provide a free and confidential copy advice service to advertisers so they can create responsible ads that adhere to the advertising code. If advertisers or agencies have any concerns about an advertisement or marketing communications’ compliance with the code, they can contact us to avail of that service.”

 

Below is a list of 14 advertisements that have been found to be in breach of the Advertising Standards Authority Code:

 

Advertiser Medium Complaint Category Description Complaint Status Section Breached Link
Vincent Finnegan Ltd  

Online (Third Party Website)

 

Misleading Advertising  

The advertisement appeared on a property website and featured images of a house which was described as being a detached, two-storey residence with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

 

The complainant considered it misleading to advertise the house as a three-bedroom property when it only had two bedrooms.

 

Upheld 4.01, 4.04, 4.09 and 4.10 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/property-16/
 

Lisney Sothebys International Realty

 

Online (Third Party Website)

 

Misleading Advertising

 

The advertisement appeared on a property website and featured images of a house which was detailed as being detached, 100 m², and having three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

 

The complainant considered it misleading to advertise a house as having three bedrooms when it only had two.

 

 

Upheld

 

4.01, 4.04, 4.09 and 4.10

 

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/property-17/

Dyson Online (Social Media) Misleading Advertising  

A sponsored advertisement on Facebook for the Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer depicted the hair dryer and its various attachments resting on a display case for the product.

 

The complainant considered the advertisement misleading on the basis that the product had been depicted with a display case that was not included in the price

for sale.

 

Upheld 4.01, 4.04 and 4.05 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/health-beauty-72/
Desert Diamonds Online (Company Own Website) Misleading Advertising  

The webpage titled ‘Our Stones’ featured a number of claims including  “100% Conflict Free Diamonds” and  “Our stones are lab created simulants and the perfect alternative to mined gemstones. Lab grown diamonds are the only true conflict-free diamonds.”

 

The complainant considered that the advertising was misleading as they considered that the claims that the stones were 100% conflict free diamonds and were lab created simulants, led consumers to believe that the stones were diamonds when they were not.

 

Upheld 4.01, 4.04, 4.09 and 4.10 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/jewellery-6/
Sheep School Online (Company own website) Misleading Advertising  

The advertisement featured an image of a can of Wurth Ultra 2040 Spray. The text accompanying the image referred to the following: “Magic Orf Spray…One spray of this Ultra 2040 is excellent at killing Orf…”

 

The complainant considered that there was no basis to the claim that one spray of the oil lubricant could kill Orf which they said was caused by a virus. The complainant queried whether the advertisers had any scientific evidence to substantiate their claim.

 

Upheld 4.01, 4.04, 4.09 and 4.10  

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/agriculture-2/

Women’s Best Online (Influencer’s social media account) Misleading Advertising  

The Influencer posted three advertisements on their Instagram account on behalf of Women’s Best with the following identification text: “@womensbest brand ambassador”, “@womensbest ba” and “brand ambassador”.

 

Two complainants raised concerns that the advertising material had not been identified correctly as marketing communications and had the potential to mislead consumers.

 

Upheld 3.31, 3.32, 4.01, and 4.04 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/clothing-12/
Beacon Care Facility Online (Company Own Website) Misleading Advertising  

The advertisement featured an image of a pregnant woman alongside text which stated “What sets our Egg Donation Program Apart?” Included in the various reasons was the following statement: “…We guarantee 2 Blastocyst Embryos*”

 

The asterisk was linked to the following information:

*Should only 1 Blastocyst Embryo be produced, a credit of €1,000 applies. Should no Blastocyst Embryos be produced, the second set of eggs will be provided at no charge. If a third set of eggs is provided but no Blastocyst Embryo is produced, we will refund 50%. For more information…”

 

The complainant said that while the advertisement had referred to the fact that the clinic guaranteed 2 Blastocyst Embryos, the asterisked information had contradicted this.

.

 

Upheld 4.01 and 4.04 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/health-7/
Ladybird Driving School Online (Company Own Social Media) Misleading Advertising  

The advertisement was a post on Ladybird Driving School’s Facebook page which claimed that their school had the highest pass rate nationwide for pupils passing their driving test. The post included the following two statements:

 

132 pupils passed their driving test in July..’ and

‘Anyone looking at this post will understand that Ladybird has the highest Passrate (sic) nationwide’.

 

The complainant considered the advertising misleading as they said that unless the advertiser could show they had a higher number of former students successful in passing their driving tests compared to other driving schools, they could not claim to have the highest pass rate nationwide.

 

Upheld 4.01, 4.04, 4.09 and 4.10 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/education-17/
West Wood Club Advertisers’ Own Website Misleading Advertising  

The advertisement was seen on the advertisers’ website and promoted “Dublin’s most luxurious swimming pool”.

 

The website wording stated: “Unlike normal swimming pools in Dublin, our Sandymount swimming pool does not use heavily chlorinated water. Instead, the pool is continuously filled with only natural

seawater.”

 

The complainant considered the statement that the swimming pool was only filled with natural seawater to be incorrect and misleading as no mention was made that the water contained chlorine. The complainant believed that chlorine was used as they suffered a reaction after swimming in the pool.

 

Upheld 4.01, 4.04, 4.09 and 4.10 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/leisure-37
DCM Learning Online (Company Own Website) Misleading Advertising  

The webpage included the following description of the course:

Our QQI Medical Secretary Course is designed for learners who wish to gain a recognised qualification as a medical secretary to enable them to begin work in a new role.”

 

The complainant said they signed up to the QQI Medical Secretary course (level 5) as advertised. On completion of the course, the advertisers provided them with a virtual certificate which stated, “Medical Secretary”. On receipt of the physical certificate however, the title of the course was listed as “Medical Terminology”.

 

The complainant said that while they had studied medical terminology as part of the course, this was not the title of the course they had signed up to.

 

Upheld 4.01 and 4.04 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/education-18/
PhoneWatch Advertisers’ Own Website Misleading Advertising  

The advertisement was seen on the advertisers’ own website and featured imagery which depicted the various style of alarms customers could purchase. Large, red font at the top of the web page stated, “Get the alarm burglars fear the most”.

 

The complainant considered the advertisement to be misleading as they said that the statement that the alarm was feared the most by burglars was not backed up by evidence in the form of research or statistics.

 

Upheld 4.01, 4.04, 4.09, 4.10, 4.31, 4.32 and 4.33 https://adstandards.ie/complaint/household-37/
Immucura Online (Company own website) Misleading Advertising / Health and Beauty  

The website included a number of statements such as: “Unlike traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, DCT offers multiple advantages… and “The majority of specialists are unaware of this therapy as it is not yet mainstream in common pathways. As with all new methods, it takes time to convince a large part of the medical profession…”

 

The home page included a graph titled “Cancer Survival Rates at Immucura” which outlined the 1-year survival rates for stage IV of various cancers.

 

Issue 1:

The complainant considered that the reference and comparison to mainstream cancer treatments could be considered as discouraging treatment.

 

Issue 2:

The complainant considered that the success rates in the advertisement could be

considered as overstated.

 

Issue 3:

The complainant questioned the qualifications of those who administered the treatment.

 

Issue 1: Upheld

Issue 2: Upheld

Issue 3: Upheld

4.01, 4.04, 4.09, 4.10, 11.01, 11.04 and 11.05

 

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/health-beauty-71/
John David Sports Fashion Ireland Limited (JD Sports) In-store and online advertising General Rules / Safety  

The advertisements were in-store posters and online advertising which featured young men on motorcycles, and other close-up details of the vehicles.

 

35 complaints were received against the advertising.

 

Issue 1:

Many of the complainants felt that the images of the young men on motorbikes were aggressive and that the advertising tacitly condoned and glamorised young men and teenagers being part of a gang and engaging in antisocial behaviours.

 

Issue 2:

Some complainants took issue with the lack of helmets and safety wear depicted and the unsafe practices featured in the advertising.

 

Issue 1: Not Upheld

 

Issue 2: Upheld

3.24 (a) https://adstandards.ie/complaint/clothing-footwear-12/
Haribo Ireland Ltd Television Safety / Children  

The television advertisement featured two men in a boat angling. They were dubbed with children’s voices whilst discussing Haribo sweets.

 

Issue1:

Three complaints were received against the advertisement. All three complained that the men in the advertisement were not wearing personal floatation devices (PFDs).

 

Issue 2:

The three complainants said they believed it was irresponsible to omit the wearing of PFDs in an advertisement they considered was primarily aimed at children.

Issues 1 and 2

Upheld

3.03, 3.24(a) and 7.4(h) https://adstandards.ie/complaint/confectionary-2/

 

The Advertising Standards Authority chose not to uphold three complaints

 

Advertiser Medium Complaint Category Description Complaint Status Section Breached Link
 

888 Ireland Limited

 

Television / Cinema Gambling  

The advertisement was seen both on television and in the cinema. The commercial depicted young adults using the 888 application on their

smart phones.

 

Three complaints were received.

 

Issue 1:

The complainants saw the advertisement in the cinema before films which had a 12A and a 15A IFCO film classification, therefore they considered it could be seen to target children.

 

Issue 2:

The complainant considered that as the advertisement depicted young people appearing to play games on their smartphones as opposed to betting, this made it difficult to ascertain that the advertisement was promoting a gambling service.

 

Issue 3:

A complainant felt that the advertisement gave the impression of promoting gambling as safe and a fun way to relax.

 

 

Issues 1, 2 and 3:

Not Upheld

NA  

https://adstandards.ie/complaint/leisure-gambling-4/

Jaguar Land Rover Ireland Press Safety / Misleading  

The advertisement was seen in a national newspaper magazine and featured an image of a Land Rover Defender SUV driving out of the sea and onto rocks.

 

The complainant considered the advertisement to be misleading as they said it depicted the vehicle as amphibious when it was not. The complainant also considered this dangerous as a driver attempting to replicate the image shown in the advertisement could drown.

 

Not Upheld NA https://adstandards.ie/complaint/motoring-57/
Supermac’s Television Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages  

A television advertisement featured a father and son passing a branch of Supermac’s. The father stopped and said to the son “guess

how much I love you?” and then indicates with a gesture of his head towards Supermac’s.

A voiceover then said, “Treat the ones you love this Christmas”.

 

Issue 1:

The complainants felt the advertisement implied one had to spend money to express

familial love.

 

Issue 2:

The complainants claimed it was irresponsibly promoting ‘fast food’ as a sign of affection.

.

Issues 1 and 2:

Not Upheld

NA https://adstandards.ie/complaint/food-and-non-alcoholic-beverages-3/

 

 

The Advertising Standards Authority received one complaint from an Intra-industry or Interested Party which was not upheld:

 

Cadbury Ireland Outdoor Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages  

A billboard advertisement for Cadbury featured a 1980s photograph of a mother holding a baby on her lap, both the mother and baby are holding a Cadbury Easter egg together.

 

The complainant  objected to the billboard advertisement

on the grounds that it depicted a very young child with a full-size Buttons Easter Egg.

 

Not Upheld NA https://adstandards.ie/complaint/food-non-alcohol-beverages/

 

 

 

The Advertising Standards Authority conducts ongoing monitoring of advertising across all media and since 2007, has examined over 27,000 advertisements, with an overall compliance rate of 98 percent. The Advertising Standards Authority Monitoring Service monitors compliance with the Complaints Committee’s adjudications.

 

Media are reminded that advertisements found to be in breach of the Code cannot be accepted for publication.

 

Visit adstandards.ie to learn more

 

To keep up to date on Advertising Standards Authority activity, follow the organisation on:

 

X                      @AdStandardsIRE

Instagram        @adstandardsireland

LinkedIn          @Ad-Standards-Ireland

 

Children’s author Martin Waddell to be honoured with the Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024

  • Waddell, bestselling author of Owl Babies (1992), is the first children’s author to receive the award

 

  • Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Waddell at the annual An Post Irish Book Awards in Dublin on 27th November

 

  • Waddell joins a host of distinguished recipients including Professor Roy Foster, Anne Enright, Sebastian Barry, Maeve Binchy, Colm Tóibín, Eavan Boland and Seamus Heaney

 

The An Post Irish Book Awards is delighted to announce that Martin Waddell is the recipient of this year’s ‘Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award’. The award will be presented on 27th November at the 2024 awards ceremony in The Convention Centre, Dublin.

 

As the 2024 Lifetime Achievement honouree, Martin Waddell will join a host of other distinguished recipients including Sebastian Barry, Colm Tóibín, Thomas Kinsella, Eavan Boland, John Montague JP Donleavy, Paul Durcan, John Banville, Maeve Binchy, John McGahern, Edna O’Brien, William Trevor, Seamus Heaney, Anne Enright and Professor Roy Foster.  All previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award can be found at https://www.irishbookawards.ie/history/hall-of-fame/

 

Martin Waddell is the first children’s writer to receive the award, and is one of the most popular and beloved authors in the genre. With more than one hundred books to his credit and 25 million books sold worldwide, he is one of the most prolific and successful children’s writers. He is best known for Owl Babies (1992) and the Little Bear books, illustrated by Barbara Firth. Waddell won the prestigious Hans Christian Anderson Award in 2004, which is considered the highest international recognition for an author of children’s books. He is also two time winner of the Smarties Book Prize and received the Kurt Maschler Award among others.

 

In conferring the award, the Board of the Irish Book Awards stated:

‘Northern Irish author, Martin Waddell, is best known for his work in the genre of children’s literature.  Previously, Waddell had written thrillers and adult fiction under the pseudonym Catherine Sefton but having transitioned to children’s literature, he became one of the most popular and well-beloved authors in the genre.

 

His most famous book is Owl Babies (1992), a picture book about three baby owls waiting anxiously for their mother to return. It has become a timeless classic, widely read in homes and schools alike, and praised for its reassuring message of maternal love and security. Equally popular are the Little Bear books, illustrated by Barbara Firth, which explore themes of friendship, family, and adventure.  You would struggle to find an Irish parent who hasn’t read these books to their children at one time or another and all Irish booksellers owe Martin a massive debt for the privilege of selling and recommending his wonderful go-to classics.

 

Waddell’s signature style is simple, direct, and suffused with an instinctive empathy for the concerns of children and their parents. A deeply private person, Waddell lives quietly at his home in County Down. His legacy, however, is far-reaching, as his stories continue to be cherished by new generations of readers around the world.

 

For all of the above reasons, the Board of the An Post Irish Book Awards wish to present the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Martin Waddell.’

 

Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, says:

“The Board of the An Post Irish Book Awards is delighted to present the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Martin Waddell. His storytelling captures the hearts of readers both young and old, and his work is filled with warmth, imagination, and a deep understanding of childhood, making him one of the most beloved voices in children’s literature. Waddell’s ability to bring characters to life and explore universal emotions with such tenderness and insight makes him a worthy recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

 

Now in its 19th year, the An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. Each year, the An Post Irish Book Awards bring together a vast community passionate about books – readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians – to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent. The winners will be announced on 27th November 2024.

 

Other categories include:

  • TheJournal.ie Best Irish-Published Book of the Year
  • Dubray Biography of the Year
  • Hodges Figgis History Book of the Year
  • WHSmith Non-Fiction Book of the Year
  • Eason Novel of the Year
  • Bookselling Ireland Food & Drink Book of the Year
  • Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year
  • Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year
  • Eason Sports Book of the Year
  • Gradam Love Leabhar Gaeilge Leabhar Ficsin Gaeilge na Bliana
  • Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Junior
  • Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Senior
  • International Education Services Teen & Young Adult Book of the Year, in honour of John Treacy
  • Irish Independent Crime Fiction Book of the Year
  • Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year
  • Ireland AM Popular Fiction Book of the Year
  • The Last Word Listeners’ Choice Award
  • New Irish Writing Best Short Story in association with the Irish Independent
  • New Irish Writing Best Poetry in association with the Irish Independent
  • An Post Bookshop of the Year

A one-hour television special, hosted by Oliver Callan, will be broadcast on RTÉ One on 19th December, giving viewers an exclusive insight into the six books and the authors competing for the accolade of ‘An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year 2024’, culminating in the reveal of this year’s overall winner.

www.anpostirishbookawards.ie

Facebook: @AnPostIBAS

Instagram: @anpost_irishbookawards

Twitter: @AnPostIBAS

 

For a range of reading recommendations, check out www.anpost.com/readerswanted