Emma Keyes Named PRII Diploma in PR Student of the Year 2025

Emma plays a pivotal role within Uisce Éireann’s Communications and Corporate Affairs team, where she drives strategic communications plans to support project delivery from development through construction. Her responsibilities include managing crisis and incident communications and leading community and media engagement initiatives to ensure the successful delivery and operation of Ireland’s water services.

With a career dedicated to technical communications and stakeholder engagement for major infrastructure projects across Ireland—spanning the water and renewable energy sectors—Emma brings a wealth of experience to her role. She also holds a background in Environmental Science from Trinity College Dublin.

Speaking about the honour, Emma said:
“Although I have practical, hands-on experience in communications and public relations, I had no formal industry-recognised qualification, which was my motivation for completing the diploma with the PRII. I am honoured (and shocked) to have been named the PRII Student of the Year for 2025! I really enjoyed the course, and it was great to meet people from various backgrounds and careers. I wish all my fellow graduates the very best, and sorry I couldn’t make it to the graduation.”

PRII President Paul Hand presented Emma with the Gladys McNevin Trophy for achieving the highest overall mark in the PRII Diploma in Public Relations. It is an award that honours Gladys McNevin, who, in the early days of the PRII, was one of its foremost members. She was particularly associated with establishing the PRII’s role in education. 

The PRII congratulates Emma on this outstanding achievement and wishes her continued success in her career.